My Story
During my studies as an aerospace engineering student at Kingston University, I became acutely aware of the huge contrast in how mental health is prioritised in the West compared to Africa. In many Western countries, mental health is recognised as a critical aspect of overall well-being and integrated into healthcare systems. In Africa, however, individuals facing mental health challenges often encounter dismissal and stigma due to cultural misconceptions, which discourages them from seeking support. This deters access to services and exacerbates the mental health crisis on the continent. The prevalence of mental health issues in Africa is compounded by factors like diseases and socio-economic challenges. With nearly half of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the urgency for mental health services is critical. Countries like Uganda have reported that approximately 14% of the population experiences various mental health issues. Young people face unique pressures, and without proper support, their potential can be stifled. In response, we are actively working to make a difference through a combination of initiatives to deliver top-notch mental health services across Africa.
Our mental health awareness campaign educates the masses through social media and outreach initiatives to dismantle stigma. Additionally, we have established a call centre to provide immediate support for individuals experiencing psychological crises, ensuring that help is accessible when needed most. The web app creates a borderless platform, connecting users with a growing number of mental health specialists (currently 40) efficiently and conveniently. This addresses the shortage of qualified mental health professionals in certain countries, ensuring individuals receive the quality care they deserve.
The Mission
This mission is personally important to me because I believe that for Africa to reach its full potential, its citizens must be in the right headspace. Supporting mental health is essential for fostering a productive population, and Africa’s growth will have positive ripple effects worldwide. For donors, contributing to this cause means playing a vital role in addressing a crisis that hinders both the continent’s growth and global progress. Their support will raise awareness about Serene Mind and its partners, enabling individuals to access crucial mental health services from their devices, regardless of geographical barriers. Together, we can create a healthier future for Africa, benefiting the entire planet.
Value for Money
The funds we raise will be strategically invested to maximise the impact of Serene Mind. Initially, funding will support marketing the Serene brand, including our social media awareness campaign and platform sign-ups.
If we reach our minimum target, we will allocate a portion of the funds to paid sponsorships with local stakeholders, enhancing visibility for our platform through collaborations with women’s podcasts and events with local NGOs.
If we achieve our full target, we will use the funding to expand our platform to other African countries through targeted advertising and strategic partnerships, allowing us to reach more individuals in need of mental health services.
If we raise more than our target, we will invest extra funds in enhancing our platform's cybersecurity capabilities and ensuring robust security measures to maintain client trust and safety.
We are committed to transparency and will provide progress updates every three months to show how contributions are making a difference in the mental health crisis in Africa.
Breakdown of the costs
Marketing Plan for Serene Mind (6-Month Campaign)
Goal: Raise £3,000 through crowdfunding to expand mental health awareness and services across Africa.
1. Awareness Campaigns (40%, £1,200)
- Run targeted social media ads across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for six months.
- Share user stories and specialist insights monthly to engage and inspire donors.
2. Local Collaborations (30%, £900)
- Sponsor six podcast episodes and NGO events to boost visibility.
- Host one mental health webinar quarterly.
3. Platform Outreach (20%, £600)
- Advertise sign-ups monthly with tailored messaging.
- Strengthen partnerships with mental health advocates.
4. Cybersecurity & Reporting (10%, £300)
- Gradually enhance platform security over six months.
- Publish bi-monthly donor updates showcasing impact.
