06 Feb Promoting Mental Health Awareness with the Adventist Church in Monrovia

Supporting mental health awareness and prevention through community and school outreach

At St. Benedict Menni Mental Health Facility, we firmly believe that mental health care does not begin at the door of a facility, but within the community itself. For this reason, we develop awareness and prevention initiatives that bring mental health closer to everyday life, promoting understanding, early intervention and compassionate care.

Guided by our mission of hospitality, compassion and a commitment to the most vulnerable, we actively work with schools, churches and healthcare institutions, creating safe spaces for dialogue and learning where mental health can be addressed without fear or stigma.

Educational outreach in schools

Children and young people face increasing emotional, social and academic pressures, yet mental health remains widely misunderstood. Through educational programmes in schools, our team works alongside students, teachers and educational staff to raise awareness of:

• emotional wellbeing and stress management

• early signs of mental health difficulties

• reducing stigma, bullying and discrimination

• the importance of seeking help and knowing where to find support

These sessions encourage open conversation and reinforce the message that mental health challenges are not a weakness, but a health condition that deserves care, understanding and respect.

Working with churches and faith communities

Churches play a central role in community life and spiritual support. Recognising this, we work closely with church leaders and congregations to integrate mental health awareness within faith-based settings.

This collaboration focuses on:

• understanding mental health from both medical and pastoral perspectives

• challenging harmful myths and misconceptions

• promoting compassion, inclusion and appropriate referral to professional services

• supporting families caring for loved ones with mental health difficulties

By building bridges between faith, care and healthcare services, we contribute to a more holistic and supportive response to mental health needs.

Strengthening mental health awareness in healthcare settings

Our community outreach also extends to hospitals and healthcare facilities, where frontline professionals often encounter individuals with undetected or untreated mental health conditions. Through training and awareness sessions, we support healthcare staff to:

• recognise common mental health conditions

• provide basic psychological first aid

• improve referral pathways to specialised mental health services

• reduce stigma within healthcare environments

This work strengthens integrated care and improves outcomes for individuals whose mental health needs might otherwise go unnoticed.

A community-centred approach

These initiatives reflect our conviction that mental health is a shared responsibility. By educating communities, empowering institutions and promoting early intervention, we help reduce stigma, improve understanding and bring care closer to those who need it most.

At St. Benedict Menni Mental Health Facility, we remain committed to walking alongside individuals, families and communities — especially the most vulnerable — ensuring that no one is left behind on the journey towards mental wellbeing.