Our Events
Psychological First Aid Training for Police Officers in Kaduna State
On November 14th and 15th, 2024, Idimma Health Initiative conducted a Psychological First Aid (PFA) training program for police officers in Kaduna State. This initiative aimed to equip frontline responders with critical skills to recognize and address psychological distress, especially in a state grappling with the mental health impacts of banditry and insecurity.
Over 60 officers participated in sessions facilitated by Aisha Bubah and Judith-Ada Chiroma, which covered topics such as Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness, Suicide Prevention, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Self-Care for Police Officers, and Collaboration with Mental Health Professionals. Through interactive role-playing and scenario-based exercises, officers gained practical tools aligned with PFA principles: Look, Listen, and Link.
The training addressed two key challenges: the insufficient capacity of police officers to provide mental health support during crises and the emotional toll they face due to repeated exposure to traumatic events. Officers learned to de-escalate situations, respond compassionately to distress, and refer affected individuals to appropriate care. Emphasis was also placed on managing their own mental well-being to prevent burnout and trauma.
This project marks a critical step in building a sustainable mental health support system in Kaduna State. By equipping police officers with PFA skills, we are fostering a safer, more empathetic environment for individuals in crisis while strengthening community trust.
Part of our Next step is to replicate this impactful training in other states across Nigeria to ensure that more police officers are equipped to address mental health crises effectively.
We invite partners and sponsors to join us in scaling this initiative and promoting mental health advocacy nationwide. For partnerships, please contact us at info@idimma.org.
Click to see more Media Coverage from the event.
Tackling Postpartum Depression in Kabusa Community, Abuja
On November 8, 2024, we launched our Postpartum Depression Community Outreach in Kabusa Community, Abuja. This initiative was born out of a clear need to address postpartum depression (PPD) — a condition that affects 15-30% of women in Nigeria, yet remains largely overlooked due to cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health resources.
We believe that every mother deserves support to navigate the challenges of childbirth and motherhood. Postpartum depression can have a profound impact not just on women, but also on their children and families.
Kabusa, like many underserved communities, struggles with limited mental health care access. Cultural stigma and misconceptions often prevent women from seeking help, leaving many to silently endure postpartum depression (PPD). By selecting Kabusa as our pilot location, we aimed to ignite conversations about PPD and build pathways for critical support.
Key Achievements
The outreach gathered 65 participants, including new mothers, families, and health workers. Our activities included:
- Educational Sessions: Judith-Ada Chiroma, our Clinical Psychologist led discussions to help participants recognize PPD symptoms and distinguish them from typical postpartum emotions. This created awareness and empowered families to support affected mothers.
- Support Group Sessions: Mothers shared personal struggles in a safe space, reducing feelings of isolation and offering insight into coping strategies.
- Referral Network: We connected participants to mental health services, ensuring continued support for women in need.
By the end of the program, participants expressed improved knowledge about PPD and greater confidence in recognizing and addressing it. Importantly, the outreach began dismantling stigma, encouraging open discussions on maternal mental health.
This outreach is just the beginning. We plan to expand to other underserved communities, provide ongoing follow-up in Kabusa, and secure additional funding to scale our resources.
We are dedicated to ensuring no mother faces PPD alone. We invite partners and sponsors to help us scale this impact. For collaborations, contact us at info@idimma.org.
National Technical Working Group
Our Founder, Aisha Bubah was invited to join the National Technical Working Group formed by the Federal Ministry of Health to develop a national implementation roadmap for the new Mental health law signed by the President of Nigeria in January 2023.
Mental Health Support for Persons with Disabilities: A Collaborative Awareness Program
On 18th July, 2024, the Idimma Health Initiative, in partnership with the Paged Initiative, hosted a mental health awareness program in Karshi, a suburban area within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. The event, attended by 49 persons with disabilities, aimed to educate participants about common mental health issues, stigmatization, and the importance of prioritizing mental health.
The program commenced with an introduction to the program by Ummi Bukar, founder of the Paged Initiative, followed by a warm welcome and introduction of Aisha Bubah and her team. This helped establish a rapport with the participants, creating a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere.
The session’s primary objective was to enlighten participants about:
- Common mental health issues affecting persons with disabilities
- The stigmatization they face, including negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors leading to social exclusion, stereotyping, and discriminatory practices
- Strategies to prioritize mental health, such as:
– Practicing self-care
– Limiting negative influences
– Setting realistic goals
– Avoiding harmful substances
– Seeking professional help when needed
– Practicing positive self-talk
The speaker emphasized that neglecting mental health can lead to critical illnesses, diseases, and low self-esteem, which can prevent individuals from achieving their goals. The speaker summarized the importance of mental well-being and the need to prioritize mental health alongside physical health.
At Idimma, we are committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and envisions a world where every individual has access to quality mental healthcare without barriers.
For partnership and collaboration, please call 08085010070 or send a mail to projects@idimma.org.
Together, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for persons with disabilities.
Reflecting on Our Visit to Paipe Community, Abuja
On November 11th, we visited Paipe Community in Abuja to discuss Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and actionable steps to combat it. Welcomed at the Chief’s Palace, we engaged with over 55 participants, including survivors of child marriage, rape, and domestic violence. Poverty, lack of education, and government neglect were identified as key factors contributing to their vulnerability.
Our discussion included:
- Laws prohibiting and prosecuting abuse.
- The “Strong Voices” Radio Drama on SGBV.
- Referral resources for survivors.
- The 112 helpline for free counseling in Abuja.
- Mental health tips.
We aim to continue advocating for the end of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and promoting women’s active participation in nation-building. Thanks to Nigerian Women Trust Fund and YALI West Africa for their support.
Listen to “Strong Voices Season 2” on Spotify. Link to Listen
Community Engagement for Mental Health Awareness on SGBV
As we prepare to launch Season 2 of The Strong Voices Radio Drama in English and Hausa, we’ve been engaging communities in Abuja about the mental health impacts of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
During our visit to Dei-Dei, the chief and community members warmly welcomed us. The session was highly engaging, addressing questions on consent and sexual violence. With attendees of all ages and genders, it was clear that combating SGBV involves everyone.
We look forward to engaging with more communities and are grateful to Nigerian Women Trust Fund for their support.
Listen to The Strong Voices Season 2 on Spotify! Link to Listen
Empowering Paso Community Against Gender-Based Violence
On November 27, 2023, in collaboration with the PAGED Initiative, we visited Paso community in Gwagwalada to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women. The event focused on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and engaged over 30 women in interactive discussions where they freely shared their experiences.
Despite the ongoing challenge of GBV, especially in rural areas, we emphasized the importance of mental well-being, self-empowerment, and building support networks. A documentary by PAGED Initiative sparked powerful discussions on real-life issues.
We extend our gratitude to our partners, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and YALI West Africa, for supporting our efforts to raise awareness and provide mental health support to women and girls.
Listen to The Strong Voices Season 2 on Spotify for more empowering stories. Link to Listen
NILEVAWG training
We were selected to participate in a 6-month programme by the National Institute for Leadership and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (NILEVAWG) which commenced on the 7th of April, 2022.The programme begins with a 3-days workshop on understanding VAWG, causes, impact, rights-based approach to ending VAWG, frameworks on ending VAWG, stakeholders, etc. This will be followed by designing a workplan to implement in the next 6 months. Our Founder and Project lead represents the organization in this programme, with a step-down to other team members.
In the middle picture, Aisha Bubah, can be seen making a group presentation on the impact of VAWG on health (physical, psychological, socio-economic wellbeing) and the society. Idimma remains committed to provide access to psychosocial support to victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence by training community lay counsellors and providing counselling and referrals through the the national emergency number 112 mental health helpline run by our sister organization The Sunshine Series.
This programme is organized by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Ford Foundation.