Who We Are
Change Makers
Dedicated to fostering mental
health literacy across communities.
According to the WHO, up to fifty percent (50%) of individuals experiencing mental health challenges refrain from seeking treatment due to stigma and discrimination. These figures underscore the profound impact of mental health issues on both individuals and society, underscoring the urgency of promoting mental health literacy to reduce mental health challenges and enhance outcomes.
At LEAD, we firmly believe that substantial change can be achieved through increased investment in educational programs and community awareness initiatives. This approach aims to bridge the gap between understanding and misconceptions about mental health.
Who We Are
Change Makers
Dedicated to fostering mental
health literacy across communities.
According to the WHO, up to fifty percent (50%) of individuals experiencing mental health challenges refrain from seeking treatment due to stigma and discrimination. These figures underscore the profound impact of mental health issues on both individuals and society, underscoring the urgency of promoting mental health literacy to reduce mental health challenges and enhance outcomes.
At LEAD, we firmly believe that substantial change can be achieved through increased investment in educational programs and community awareness initiatives. This approach aims to bridge the gap between understanding and misconceptions about mental health.
Our Story
LEAD’s inception traces back to 2016 when its founder, Kelvin Opiepie, having overcome severe depressive episodes and near-suicidal experiences, felt a strong urge to assist others in navigating similar struggles after triumphing over them in mid-2016. Motivated by personal conviction, he conducted extensive research based on his experiences, uncovering alarming statistics that drove him to take action. However, he encountered challenges in determining how and where to initiate his efforts. Over the subsequent two years, he remained dedicated to research and inquiry.
By November 2018, Kelvin had taken the pivotal first step toward what would evolve into a groundbreaking mental health advocacy initiative in Africa. Originally launched as the LEAD Project with fifteen (15) like-minded individuals sharing the vision, the LEAD Community Foundation aimed to mitigate the impacts of depression and promote mental health awareness. Its initial outreach targeted youth at a religious institution in Delta State, Nigeria. During its initial two (2) years, LEAD’s mental health engagements were primarily online, in collaboration with various organizations. However, the organization continued to expand across Nigeria and achieved stronger operational status in Edo and Delta state, although with volunteers across other regions, despite not being a registered non-governmental organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Despite facing challenges with self-funding and volunteer commitment, Kelvin persisted, drawing motivation from the transformative experiences shared by beneficiaries and clients. From these humble beginnings, LEAD has emerged as a prominent advocate for mental health in Africa, boasting a network of 183 unpaid dedicated volunteers across three countries. Its accomplishments include 70 community outreach programs in Nigeria and Uganda, reaching 15,850 individuals through onsite campaigns, and an estimated online audience of over thirty thousand (30,000) across various age groups. In 2022, LEAD achieved full registration with the CAC.
In addition to these milestones, LEAD has spearheaded community initiatives and provided crucial counseling to over Three hundred (300) clients, aiding them in overcoming mental health crises. LEAD is on a mission committed to challenging mental health stigmas in Africa, promoting mental health literacy, empowering individuals with essential skills for managing their well-being (and by extension support their families, communities, and peers), advocating for mental health education in schools, and aiding individuals in crisis.
Our Vision
Mitigating the effect of depression and
promoting mental health literacy in our communities.
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A team of champions committed to serving humanity by driving meaningful mental health initiatives in their communities and on a global scale.
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Meet The Team
Nothing of great significance is achieved by an individual. Our team is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, providing a safe space for victims, and ensuring accessible resources. By working together, we aim to mitigate the effects of depression and improve the overall mental health of our communities.
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