Liberia, West Africa
Liberia is a country located on the west coast of Africa. It shares borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d'Ivoire. The country declared independence in 1847 and is one of the few African nations that were never colonised. However, it has a close relationship with the United States of America.
Before the civil war that started in 1989 and ended in 2003, and the Ebola pandemic between 2014 and 2015, Liberia was a safe and beautiful place to visit and live. Unfortunately, these two events took many lives, leaving many traumatised, devastated, and destitute. As a result, the mental health and well-being of many Liberians have decreased, and they have limited or no access to mental health facilities.
While there are initiatives from other organisations, adequate access to information is still lacking, and more is needed to raise awareness about mental health, normalise conversations around mental health disorders, and reduce stigmas. In Africa, there is a lack of understanding of mental health issues, which results in individuals with mental health disorders being ostracised. The stigma associated with mental health disorders contributes to many people not seeking help. Many individuals associate mental health disorders with witchcraft and curses, and some even label those with mental health disorders as lazy and weak.
It has been observed that a significant number of people in Liberia are suffering from mental health issues and are unable to receive proper treatment due to limited facilities and a lack of awareness. To make matters worse, the existing stigma surrounding mental health problems discourages people from seeking help. We aim to raise awareness about this issue and promote the normalisation of seeking help so that people can receive the support they need.
Below are some mental health issues that are related to trauma.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Liberia, West Africa.
Raising awareness about mental health in Liberia is crucial, as many people suffer in silence due to the limited availability of facilities. Please watch the attached clip to understand why Rebecca Blamo's Mental Health Awareness is crucial for Liberia.
Let’s Be the change
"Access to adequate mental health information and services is a basic human right"
(World Health Organisation)
Distribution of Flyers & Leaflets
Since February 2024, we have distributed a total of over 20,000 flyers. Our goal is to promote awareness, change attitudes, and encourage positive actions towards mental health and those affected by it. We are committed to creating informative and easy-to-read flyers and leaflets that address relevant mental health concerns and promote well-being.
Workshops
These workshops were designed to increase awareness about different mental health issues and their root causes. They provided guidance on how to identify individuals who are struggling with mental health problems, as well as how to provide support to them. By attending these workshops, participants gained a better understanding of poor mental health and received reliable and current information to help remove the stigma associated with these illnesses.
Megaphone Jiggles Campaign
Our MEGAPHONE CAMPAIGN aimed to reach those with limited or no access to social media, television, or radio. We are taking the message that mental health is real and matters into the marketplaces and streets of Monrovia, Liberia, with the hope of expanding into other townships.
Peer Support Groups
Our Peer Support Group started on September 5th, 2024, and will be held monthly for three months in Todee, Rural Montserrado County, Liberia.
We strive to empower individuals to proactively develop knowledge, self-manage, and address health issues like loneliness or low self-esteem. Peer support is a powerful tool that brings together people with shared everyday experiences and mental health struggles, providing a safe space for growth and healing.
Our aim was to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can engage in open, honest, and constructive discussions about the different mental health issues faced in Liberia's communities. By doing so, we believe we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Future Projects
In every corner of Liberia, people are silently struggling—with stress, sadness, loneliness, and pressure that can feel too heavy to carry alone. Yet, many don’t know where to turn, or feel too ashamed to speak up. That’s why a Mental Health Information Helpline is so important.
This isn’t a hospital. It’s not therapy. It’s simply someone to talk to. Someone who listens. Someone who understands.
A helpline can offer clear, friendly information about mental well-being, tips to manage stress, and guidance on where to go for help if needed. It’s a safe space for anyone—students, parents, workers, market women, taxi drivers—anyone who just needs to hear, “You’re not alone.”
In a country where mental health is still whispered about, this helpline can be the voice that breaks the silence, offering comfort, confidence, and hope.
Because everyone deserves someone to talk to.
Lifeline for the Mind: Why Liberia Needs a Mental Health Information Helpline Now
In Liberia, where the scars of war and the weight of poverty still shape daily life, mental health remains one of the most overlooked aspects of our well-being. Yet, the mind is just as vital as the body. As stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression silently affect families and communities, the need for accessible mental health information is urgent.
That’s where a Mental Health Information Helpline becomes a game-changer.
Imagine a safe space—a simple phone call—where anyone, anywhere in Liberia, can get trusted mental health information, guidance, and a compassionate ear. No judgment. No stigma. Just help. Whether it’s a young person feeling overwhelmed, a parent struggling in silence, or a teacher noticing a student in distress, this helpline offers a crucial first step toward healing.
It’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
How You Can Support Our Liberia Projects
Why Liberia Matters to Us
Our work in Liberia is not separate from our UK mission—it is part of a shared belief that mental health education should be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
By working in Liberia:
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We learn from resilient communities that navigate mental health challenges with limited resources.
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We bring these insights back to the UK, enriching our culturally sensitive approaches.
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We build a bridge between the Liberian diaspora in the UK and their communities back home.
Your involvement can help us reach more people and deliver life-changing resources.
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Donate: Contribute to printing materials, running workshops, and training local facilitators.
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Partner: Collaborate with us on mental health initiatives or cultural exchange projects.
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Volunteer Skills: Offer your expertise in education, healthcare, counselling, or media.
Together, we can challenge the mental health stigma in Liberia and help many who are suffering in silence.
📧 Get in touch:
To discuss partnership opportunities or offer support for our Liberia projects, contact us at: rebeccablamo2@gmail.com