MONROVIA, Liberia – In the bustling marketplaces of Monrovia, where vendors hawk goods and commuters rush by, an unexpected but vital conversation is taking place—one about mental health. Rebecca Blamo’s Mental Health Awareness and Well-being C.I.C. is bringing critical psychological support directly to the streets, reaching Liberians where they live, work, and struggle.
From April 14–22, Blamo’s team has been stationed at some of Liberia’s busiest hubs—Duport Road Junction, ELWA Market, Redlight, Waterside, and Kakata—engaging market-goers in open discussions about trauma, depression, and anxiety. Armed with megaphones, informational flyers, and compassionate listening, the volunteers are tackling a subject long shrouded in silence.
Founded by Demelza Honeyborne, a Liberian with a BSc and MSc in Health and Clinical Psychology from the United Kingdom, this organization actively addresses the stigma surrounding mental health through community engagement.
The initiative emphasizes nonclinical, information-driven outreach, directly engaging with individuals in marketplaces while providing them with educational resources and informational leaflets. Rebecca Blamo’s team is diligently working to bring mental health awareness directly to the community.
“We aim to assure individuals that they are not alone. Mental health is a universal concern, and the journey to healing starts with open dialogue.”
Why Liberia Needs This Now
Liberia’s history of civil war, Ebola, and economic hardship has left deep psychological scars. Yet mental health services remain scarce, and stigma prevents many from seeking help. “Given the country’s ongoing recovery from the impacts of civil conflict and the Ebola outbreak, the demand for trauma-informed and community-centered mental health support is both pressing and significant,” the group believes.
Key 2024 initiatives by Blamo’s team include: Megaphone Campaigns – Breaking the silence with public mental health messages, Peer Support Groups – Safe monthly spaces for shared healing, Trauma Workshops – Teaching coping strategies for PTSD and grief and 10,000+ Flyers Distributed – Simplifying complex topics like depression and anxiety.
The initiatives are powered by volunteers and the lived experiences of those it seeks to serve. To expand its reach and deepen its impact, the organization invites donations, partnerships, and media support.
