UK hosts World Mental Health Day event in Kampala
The High Commission marked the day with a workshop on mental health in the workplace and beyond.
Dr Nolbert Gumisiriza speaks to staff about mental health issues in the workplace and beyond.
This event was facilitated by the British Council in Uganda, and began with a keynote presentation on mental health awareness by Dr Nolbert Gumisiriza, a Uganda psychiatrist. Dr Gumisiriza explored methods for preventing and managing mental health problems in the workplace and beyond, and provided information on support available within the local Ugandan context.
The UK has provided assistance to the Ugandan authorities on mental health issues over a number of years, most notably through a programme of training in Mental Health First Aid provided by Mental Health First Aid England to the UPDF (Ugandan Army), facilitated by the High Commission’s Defence Section.
World Mental Health Day falls on 10 October each year. The aim of this international day is to raise awareness of mental health, increase understanding of mental illness and create a support network for people affected by these issues.
The World Health Organisation has designated the theme of this year’s Mental Health Day is “psychological first aid”, which covers both psychological and social support.