Strike when the iron is hot. That is what the Lifeline ANPPCAN Malawi, is taking heed of by engaging the youth in dealing with mental health issues and suicide cases in Malawi.
In recent times, the organizations has been training youth leaders who act as mentors to other in communities.
On Friday, the organization held a session with over forty youth leaders drawn from the South Lunzu Area which draws people from Machinjiri, Chirimba and Lunzu Townships, an interface that also involved local authorities, the police and medical personnel.
Speaking after the session, Henderson Mhango, Country Deputy Director of Lifeline ANPPCAN Malawi, they are drawing positives from their interventions that they have been undertaking in recent times.
He says for instance, through the leaders, they are able to trace cases and create local platforms through which those affected by various problems can get assistance.
โโ We are making headways in our campaigns. We have this population of the youth who are our mentors and ambassadors. That allows them at community level to assist their mates, who may not have the resources to seek help at an extensive level. We have toll lines and platforms where the affected get assisted,โโ he said.
Mhango noted that areas that are leading to mental health challenges by the youth range from improper parenting, abuse of drugs and substances, betting and lack of services such as the ones they are proving.
He has meanwhile said they are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including the ministry of justice as part of a lobby to decriminalize suicide in the country.
Suicide remains illegal in Malawi under Section 229 of the Penal Code with the offence attracting a maximum of two years in prison.
Life Line ANPPCAN Malawi is a member of Lifeline International aimed to prevent suicide and increase awareness on mental health. Life International through its members across the global.
