In recent years, great emphasis has been placed on mental health education by governments of several countries, organizations and individuals. The adage that “a sound mind is a sound body” demonstrates the need for each country or organization to pay a certain level of attention to the labour force as they’re key stakeholders in the process chain.

As a way of adding their voice to curb the growing menace, two of Ghana’s Non- Governmental Organizations; iSpace Foundation and DUNK GRASSROOTS will be hosting a Mental Health Awareness clinic dubbed “Community Connect” on Friday, 26 May, 2023, at the James Town Community Centre, to confront issues of mental health through sports, recreation and education.

The event will enable the Ispace Foundation which has been a key advocate for mental health awareness and education to offer some mental health training to some of its beneficiaries as well as the youth of Jamestown to help equip them with the necessary tools to become agents who spearhead mental health awareness in their communities.

” l think every serious nation, takes a key interest in issues related to mental health awareness creation or education, and Ghana is no exception. Honestly, we have a lot of work to do, which is the reason we have decided to lead the discussion at Ispace Foundation” says Josiah Eyison, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder

Aside from the workshop, Ispace Foundation is also expected to impact the youth with some vocational and technical skills training through their entrepreneurship drive to help build their own businesses and provide them with educational resources, working space, and access to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

In turn, DUNK GRASSROOTS, using sports as one of its strongest tools to steer positive change and impact young lives will partner its beneficiaries with those of iSpace Foundation staff to establish a buddy system. They will then engage in a practice session and a friendly basketball game as a way to demonstrate the role sports can play in promoting mental health. The idea is to promote recreation like sports as a means to maintain good mental health.

According to Mo Tahir, Co-Founder of DUNK GRASSROOTS “Sports is crucial in addressing mental health and significantly impact an individual’s well-being. Engaging in sports activities can provide numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits that contribute to improved mental health, and this is at the core of our work at DUNK. These conversations and awareness are much needed among young people now more than ever.”

Source: Victor Kwawu