To increase support, LASG introduces a new mental health hotline

The Lagos State government has launched a new mental health helpline, the Lagos Lifeline Smart Number: 0700 000 MIND (0700 000 6463), to address issues related to mental health in the State. The Lagos Lifeline Number, 090 9000 MIND (090 90006463), is supplemented by this.
In honor of this year’s World Mental Day, the new collection was unveiled at the “Lift Up Hope” event, which also aims to promote mental health awareness and assistance for those in need.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, spoke during the ceremony and emphasized the value of mental health in the fast-paced world of today. She encouraged everyone to place a high priority on mental health in addition to thanking the Ministry of Health for their ongoing efforts to address mental health issues.

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, the Lagos State Governor’s Special Health Advisor, also spoke, emphasizing the effect of work conditions on mental health.

She expressed regret about the stigma associated with mental health problems and emphasized the need for a cultural change that sees asking for assistance as a strength rather than a weakness.

In addition, Ogunyemi stressed the State government’s dedication to mental health initiatives, such as the Lagos State Wellness Center (LASWELL), and announced the opening of a new helpline for mental health.

Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, for his part, emphasized the ministry’s numerous endeavors to promote mental health and reaffirmed the significance of mental health in the workplace. He brought up the LagosMiND project, which has played a significant role in increasing access to mental health care.

Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Head of Special Projects and Mental Health, shared details on the creation and introduction of the mental health hotline. He clarified that a lot of research was done before the hotline was created, taking into account the lessons discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She emphasized the value of mental toughness in the workplace and urged businesses to help their staff members’ mental health. The program included a ceremonial release of green balloons, which stand for optimism and fortitude in the face of mental health difficulties. In an effort to combat the stigma associated with mental health concerns, attendees were urged to take part in this gesture.

The “Lift Up Hope” event marked a major advancement in raising awareness of mental health issues in Lagos State by emphasizing how vital it is to support both the mental health of individuals and communities.