- The community-based initiative recognizes the fact that many of the mental health issues in the region are actually undiagnosed and thus unattended to.
- He said the centre will equally work closely with mental health practitioners to ensure that the community accesses medication.
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Stress and depression have been blamed for the increased crime rates in Western Kenya.
This came to the fore even as a group of community leaders and professionals joined hands to set up a mental wellness centre in Bungoma county.
The Bungoma Wellness Centre located in Bungoma town will serve to help address some of the major causes of mental challenges while offering patients a chance at recovery and resume their normal lives.
The community-based initiative recognises the fact that many of the mental health issues in the region are actually undiagnosed and thus unattended to.
One of the founders of the centre Duncan Wandabwa said the programme is well timed and will provide the much-needed relief for the community to handle mental illnesses and related issues better.
"The crimes we experience here are related to the mental health baggage plaguing people in the region and that is what forms the backbone of this centre," he said
Wandabwa observed that mental issues were a major cause of the high crime rate in the region and called on the community to make use of the facility for their own good.
“The crimes we see today are majorly due to stress and depression and because of them, people are ending up where they shouldn’t be," Wandabwa said.
"But today we want them to know that we have this facility in place to help them cope and manage mental health. Spread the message and let people know that there is help here."
The centre provides an ample and serene environment where members will get a space to relax, share and talk about their issues with fellow members and professionals.
“We have psychiatrists here who will be able to walk the members on the journey to recovery. Talking is also a form of therapy and group sessions will enable members to talk out their issues and listen to what others have to say also, ”he said.
Wandabwa said the facility is or less a home for those with mental issues as it provides a safe space to members, giving them opportunities to share issues without stigma and discrimination.
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Currently, the centre is sponsored by mental wellness champion Kenneth Dudek who says the objective is to provide a home that will serve as a mental clinic and as a community centre.
He reiterated his belief in sustainability adding that local health links and other stakeholders must be encouraged to play key roles in supporting the programme to ensure success.
”We believe in sustainability so we will bring enough resources and engage other partners such as the county and national government to ensure the programme is sustainable,” Dudek said.
He said the centre will equally work closely with mental health practitioners to ensure that the community accesses medication and all other relevant mental support.
While acknowledging that families shoulder the most burden in supporting loved ones who are battling mental issues, Dudek said the new facility will seriously incorporate the family unit to ensure full success.
“We have educational and training programmes that will target families by providing extra support such as employment, we will relieve families and enhance their ability to address mental health issues,” he said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
Image: CHETI PRAXIDES