KGL Foundation raises funds to support mental health

KGL Foundation has organised a maiden corporate fundraiser to support its Mental Health Index (MHI) project, which seeks to tackle issues within the mental health space.

The MHI is a digitally based support system that pools knowledge, talent and teams of health professionals from across the globe, to deliver quality care to people.

Besides, the MHI creates access to mental health care through a digital platform and is supported by a series of awareness creation campaigns across all media channels, and outreach programmes to help change the mental health narrative in communities.

It also creates opportunity to raise funds to provide the well needed financial and technical support to our existing mental health facilities.

The project has qualified medical professionals in the areas of psychiatry and psychology, renowned media and sports personalities, and other relevant stakeholders on hand to provide the necessary education and context to encourage the desired behaviour change.

The function was attended by the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, the wife of Asantehene, Lady Julia Osei Tutu, the Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Alex Dadey, and the CEO of KGL Foundation. Elliot Dadey.

Stigmatisation
Addressing the function on Wednesday, Mrs Bawumia who was the Guest of Honour, called for concerted efforts to eradicate stigmatisation against persons battling mental health.

“People are pretending to be okay and family and friends often turn a blind eye, probably out of the fear of stigmatisation until it’s often too late. “It is therefore important to acknowledge that addressing mental health issues as a society is a multifaceted endeavor that requires collaboration between various stakeholders. One of the issues I seldom talk about, is postnatal depression, which is seldom talked about or even recognised,” Mrs Bawumia said.

Early treatment
She said mental health is no respecter of persons for which reason it must be taken seriously by society.  Mrs Bawumia appealed to Ghanaians to seek early medical attention when they suspect any symptoms of mental health. “The mental health index demonstrates the power of innovation and technology to provide convenient and personalised support for mental wellbeing,” she said.

She applauded the KGL Foundation for its dedication to building a stronger and more inclusive Ghana.

History
Lady Julia described the event as momentous in the history of mental health in Ghana. She congratulated KGL Foundation for starting the conversation on mental health, something which is considered a taboo in the society.
“I know that it will mushroom and grow and become something that we all all be proud of,” she said.

She said the recent increase in suicide attempts in the universities is a source of concern. Lady Julia called for action to address the misinformation and superstition on mental health, which has led to people keeping patients at home .

Misconception
The CEO of KGL Foundation, Elliot Dadey said over the years, misconception about mental health has worked against efforts to tackle the problem.

He said the implementation of the MHI platform will be the first help to change the psyche of Ghanaians about mental health.