Group Promotes Mental Health Awareness Among University Students, Rewards Creative Talents

Heart of Care Providers (HCP), a non-governmental organisation, has intensified efforts to promote mental health awareness among university students through conversations on emotional wellbeing, self-identity and creative expression.

The initiative, held at the University of Abuja, brought together female undergraduates for a panel session themed “Beyond the Pulse: Health. Her. Human Potential. Empower Women to Be Stronger.”

The programme featured poet and founder of Made in Nigeria, Dike Chukwumerije, and contemporary dancer and founder of Heart Heartists, Bukunmi Olukitibi, who engaged participants on the relationship between mental health, identity and personal development.

Founder of HCP, Dr. Jocelyn Lee, said the initiative was designed to provide a safe space for young women to discuss mental health challenges often overlooked in tertiary institutions.

According to her, many students focus on academic achievement without paying adequate attention to their emotional well-being and self-confidence.

“Young people need to build inner strength and emotional resilience to navigate life’s challenges. Mental well-being is fundamental to discovering one’s identity and achieving personal growth,” she said.

Lee noted that societal and family expectations often place pressure on students, making it essential to create platforms where they can openly discuss issues affecting their mental health.

As part of the programme, HCP also used creative arts to encourage self-expression through its Creative Health Advocacy (CHAD) initiative.

The organisation hosted its maiden Voices Unplugged a cappella singing competition, where Miracle Bamidele emerged the winner among nine contestants to receive a ₦100,000 cash prize after impressing judges with her vocal performance, originality and stage presence.

The judges included Abuja-based musicians Odenose, Matt the Baritone and Oluwadayo.

HCP also organised a spoken word poetry competition titled “The Things We Don’t Say” in partnership with the Abuja Literary Society (ALS) and Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

Sunday Eneojile James won the competition and received a ₦50,000 cash prize, while Halima Ummi Shuaibu and Amina Halliru Ismail finished second and third, receiving ₦30,000 and ₦20,000 respectively. Jonathan Onipe, popularly known as Omo Ara, received the Organisers’ Choice Award worth ₦20,000.

Lee said the creative competitions were designed to give young people healthy outlets for expressing emotions while promoting conversations around mental health.

She urged students to prioritise their emotional well-being, understand their personal boundaries and develop confidence in their identity rather than succumbing to societal pressures.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health. Young people should give themselves room to grow, learn from others and seek support when necessary,” she said.