TheCable

Made Moms for God Initiative, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), is set to unveil a counselling support service for people battling mental health challenge.

In a statement on Tuesday, the organisation said the dedicated support service tagged: “the Offload Tent” was conceptualised to provide a safe place given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Nigerians.

Speaking on the development, Imade Osuobeni, founder of the NGO, said the initiative will afford citizens the opportunity to ease their burdens.

“The year 2020 has, undoubtedly, been a tough year for everyone and more than a few people are on an emotional rollercoaster of sorts. Indeed, fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats, especially in the face of uncertainties. It is, thus, understandable that a number of people are experiencing an ununbridled fear in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Osuobeni said.

“The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues, it is important that citizens prioritise their mental health as well as their physical well-being.

“Most people have a lot of things to say, but are afraid of who to say it to, and how to say it, because of the fear of being judged, ridiculed or misunderstood. We all know that talking can be therapeutic, but how many people have a safe place to UNBURDEN and pour out their hearts, especially in a religious and culturally diverse society such as Nigeria?”

Kayla Ortese, the programme director of Offload Tent, said after the formal launch of the initiative on January 3, members of the public would be able to call and chat with dedicated counsellors.