The federal government has launched a mental health counselling support for persons affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Federal Government partnership with Sunshine Series Organisation (SSO), a non-governmental organisation, to provide mental health support to affected person in the country.
Federal Government made the disclosure through minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs, George Akume, while speaking at the opening of the event on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the initiative, mind wheel project, includes the provision of a toll-free line — 112.
Akume added that the initiative is focused mainly on providing support to persons with mental health challenges developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, “This historic launch of the mind wheel toll-free line is a free call line aimed at providing a sustainable social change and development in mental health and well being of Nigerians,” he said.
“This is a collaboration with the ministry of special duties and intergovernmental affairs, ministry of communication and digital economy, and the private sector”, he stated.
The project will feature free tele-counselling services.
On her part, the founder of sunshine series mind wellness organisation, Aisha Bubah, while speaking at the event, said the project started in 2020 and has reached over 5,000 Nigerians, directly and indirectly through counselling, capacity building, and webinars.
Bubah added that more partners are required to promote the project, as mental health has been severely underfunded globally, especially in low and middle-income countries.
