Handicap International (operating As Humanity & Inclusion)

HI works in Sierra Leone to improve the quality of life and mental health of people suffering from psychosocial distress or living with a mental health disorder.

In a country that was rocked by a terrible civil war, HI is working with communities and local partners to implement community-based response and prevention strategies in the fields of mental health and psychosocial support. The goal is to improve the quality of life and well-being of people suffering from psychosocial distress or living with mental health problems. To do so, the programme organises support and discussion groups, conducts awareness-raising sessions on mental health issues and carries out community visits to help identify people who need support. HI also works with Sierra Leonean associations to carry out advocacy and contribute to the development of new laws and practices in the field of mental health that better protect and support users. Finally, the programme trains health professionals and works with the main psychiatric care facility in Freetown.

HI’s programme in Sierra Leone also implements actions to prevent and respond to gender-based violence issues and empower women and girls, including those with disabilities. Teams carry out awareness-raising sessions, train community actors, create support groups, and alert civil society and political decision-makers through advocacy actions.

They also implement inclusive education projects to improve access to education for children with disabilities and run awareness-raising activities in the communities.