Morganable News / Communities
Mental health awareness is gaining attention in Nigeria as a community outreach in Mushin, Lagos, uses football, drama and counselling to encourage young people to seek help when they need it.
LAgos —
Young people in a Lagos community have received mental health education and access to health services through an outreach organised by the Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI) in partnership with Grassroot Soccer.
The programme took place as part of activities marking World Mental Health Day 2026. It combined football, drama, personal testimonies, counselling and free medical checks to help residents understand mental health and recognise the importance of seeking professional support.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the emotional wellbeing of adolescents and young adults in Nigeria. Organisers used familiar community activities to make conversations about mental health easier and encourage participants to seek help without shame.
According to a report published by Vanguard on October 11, 2026, experts at the outreach highlighted the need for early intervention and stronger community support for young people experiencing mental health challenges.
Experts Raise Concern About Young People
Speaking during the outreach, Dr Babatunde Odusolu, a programme consultant with Grassroot Soccer Incorporated in Nigeria, said one in six Nigerian young people aged 15 to 24 experiences some form of mental health challenge.
He stressed the importance of helping young people recognise problems early and access appropriate support.
Mental health challenges can affect how people think, feel, behave and relate with others. They may also affect school performance, relationships, work and everyday activities.
However, some young people struggle to discuss their feelings because they fear being judged or misunderstood. Others may not know where to find professional help.
These challenges make community education important. When young people have access to reliable information, they can better understand their experiences and know when to seek assistance.
Furthermore, parents, teachers, religious leaders and community organisations can help create environments where young people feel safe discussing emotional difficulties.
The outreach therefore focused on making mental health information accessible rather than treating it as a subject that should remain hidden.
Football and Drama Encourage Participation
One notable feature of the programme was its use of football and drama to communicate health messages.
Rather than relying only on formal lectures, the organisers used activities familiar to young people to encourage participation and discussion.
The approach reflects the role community-based programmes can play in reaching adolescents who may not actively seek information from hospitals or formal health institutions.
Through football-based learning, trained youth mentors can discuss issues affecting young people, encourage healthy choices and help participants understand the importance of emotional wellbeing.
Drama and personal testimonies also provide opportunities for participants to learn from situations that reflect real-life experiences.
These methods can help make difficult subjects easier to discuss. Nevertheless, community activities must work alongside qualified professionals who can assess people experiencing serious or persistent difficulties.
According to the report, the programme also provided referral pathways for participants who needed further assistance.
This is important because awareness alone may not be enough for someone experiencing significant emotional distress. People who need additional care should be able to access appropriately trained health professionals.
Counselling and Medical Checks Support Residents
The outreach offered counselling and free medical checks as part of its activities.
These services gave residents an opportunity to discuss health concerns and receive information about their wellbeing.
The programme also encouraged participants to understand the connection between physical and mental health. Although the two are different, they can influence each other and both deserve attention.
For example, persistent stress may affect sleep, concentration and daily activities. Similarly, physical illness and difficult life circumstances can place additional pressure on a person’s emotional wellbeing.
However, people should not assume that every change in mood means they have a mental health condition. Professional assessment can help identify the nature of a problem and determine the most suitable support.
Dr Odusolu explained that the initiative, known as MindSKILLZ, uses sport to deliver mental health education in ways young people can understand.
The programme also supports the identification of participants who may need further care and directs them towards appropriate services.
This combination of education, early identification and referral can help connect community members with the support they need.
Tackling Stigma Through Community Support
Stigma remains a major concern in conversations about mental health. Some people experiencing emotional difficulties may avoid seeking help because they fear negative reactions from friends, relatives or neighbours.
Others may face pressure to remain silent instead of discussing their concerns with someone who can help.
The Mushin outreach sought to challenge these attitudes by creating opportunities for open discussion and sharing personal experiences.
When people hear others speak about their experiences, they may become more willing to seek assistance themselves. Such conversations can also help families understand that mental health challenges deserve attention and appropriate care.
Religious institutions, schools, youth groups and community associations can contribute by sharing accurate information and discouraging harmful stereotypes.
At the same time, community members must respect people’s privacy. Anyone seeking counselling or professional support should be treated with dignity rather than becoming the subject of gossip.
Community awareness programmes are most effective when they encourage understanding while connecting people with qualified services.
Sustaining the Impact Beyond the Outreach
Although the event brought mental health education and health services closer to residents, long-term progress will require continued action.
Young people need access to reliable information, trusted adults and affordable professional care. Schools and community organisations can also help by establishing clear referral arrangements for individuals who need additional support.
Parents and guardians have an important role to play as well. Listening without immediately judging or dismissing a child’s concerns can make it easier for young people to speak honestly about their experiences.
However, families should not be expected to manage every mental health problem alone. Trained professionals remain important, particularly when symptoms are severe, persistent or interfere with everyday life.
Community programmes can help bridge the gap between awareness and professional support by showing residents where to seek assistance.
Ultimately, the Mushin outreach highlights the value of using familiar activities to discuss an issue that affects young people and their families.
By combining sport, drama, counselling and health education, YEDI and Grassroot Soccer have drawn attention to the need for stronger community involvement in mental health awareness.
The next step is to ensure that the message continues beyond the event. When young people can speak openly, find reliable information and access appropriate care, communities are better placed to support their wellbeing.
