The Starburg Empowerment Foundation has set a target of reaching 10,000 vulnerable Nigerians within the next year through programmes focused on depression, anxiety, trauma, mental health challenges and substance abuse. This initiative aims to provide support and services to those affected by mental health issues and substance abuse. The foundation's programs will focus on early intervention and connecting affected persons with appropriate support.
The foundation also plans to provide rehabilitation and support services to 50 people battling substance abuse. However, it requires more than N90 million to implement the programme. The funds will be used to provide necessary services and support to those in need. The foundation currently operates a safe space for vulnerable individuals but does not have its own rehabilitation centre.
Founder and President of the foundation, Ambassador Bakare Gloria, disclosed this on Thursday at the official launch of the organisation in Benin City. Bakare said the organisation was established to restore hope to people facing emotional and psychological challenges and those affected by substance abuse. The foundation's motto is "Breaking stigma, building strength and saving lives."
According to Bakare, the 10,000 target represents people the foundation hopes to impact through its various programmes, not those undergoing rehabilitation. She clarified that the foundation currently operates a safe space for vulnerable individuals but does not have its own rehabilitation centre. Therefore, the foundation is appealing to government agencies, private organisations and international partners for support.
Bakare urged people experiencing mental health or substance-use challenges to seek help and reject stigma, stressing that "there is still hope." The foundation plans to launch a substance-abuse awareness campaign focused on early intervention and connecting affected persons with appropriate support. This campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage those in need to seek help.
Other speakers at the launch commended the foundation's mental health and counselling initiatives and called for greater support through partnerships and collaboration. Dr. Bartholomew Okoudu, President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS), expressed his support for the foundation's initiatives. Omodiagbe George, Executive Director of Initiative for the Development of the Next Generation (NextGen), also praised Starburg for its consistent commitment to social development and mental-health advocacy.
The foundation's initiative is timely, given the importance of mental health awareness. The launch of the foundation's programs coincides with World Mental Health Day, highlighting the need for collective action and advocacy to amplify awareness of mental-health issues. The foundation's efforts to provide support and services to vulnerable Nigerians are crucial in addressing the challenges of mental health and substance abuse in the country.
Key points
- Starburg Empowerment Foundation targets 10,000 Nigerians for mental health and rehabilitation programs
- Foundation requires over N90 million to implement substance abuse rehabilitation program
- Initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage those in need to seek help
