iRESEARCH
iResearch is a program that aims to provide the public with evidence-based findings on mental health issues in Malawi. Our main focus lies on documenting and publishing results of research projects for referencing purposes by different stakeholders. The program is aimed to be conducted on a continuous basis to ensure that information on mental health in Malawi is up to date.
The program aims to answer the following research questions:
- What are the attitudes towards mental health in Malawi?
- What is the quality of mental health services in Malawi?
- What policies address mental health issues in Malawi?
- What are the prevalent mental disorders in Malawi?
- What are the preferred remedies for mental disorders in Malawi?
The objectives of the iResearch are as follows:
- Understand the attitudes towards mental health in Malawi
- Assess the quality of mental health services in Malawi
- Understand the policies in place that address mental health in Malawi
- Determine the prevalent mental disorders in Malawi
- Determine the preferred remedies for mental disorders in Malawi
- Contribute towards mental health policy development in Malawi
iSPEAK OUT
iSpeak Out is an awareness program that aims to provide the public, especially the youth, with up to date information on mental health. The program involves awareness campaigns conducted targeting various age groups within the youthful society. The iSpeak Out program targets pupils in primary schools and students in secondary schools and universities. The program covers both rural and urban areas to ensure a balanced approach. iMind defines the youth as any individual within the ages of 12 to 35.
The objectives of the iSpeak Out program are as follows:
- Provide a good understanding of what mental health is
- Contribute towards a better understanding of mental disorders
- Change the negative attitudes towards mental disorders
- Increase the advocacy for mental health in Malawi
iTREAT
iTreat is a program aimed at treating mental disorders which are prevalent among the youth. This program involves providing counselling and referrals to individuals suffering from mental disorders.
The objectives of the iTreat program are as follows:
- Promote help seeking behaviors among the youth struggling with mental disorders
- Provide counselling services to young people with mental disorders
- Refer young people with mental disorders to treatment facilities or professionals
- Follow up on the progress of treatment with referral bodies
- Provide moral support to young people with mental disorders (peer support)
The iTreat program is conducted by iMind peer supporters with the guidance of mental health professionals. This program is conducted on a continuous basis to ensure that the quality of mental health treatment among the youth continues to improve.
MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Beneficiaries of iMind programs/services are given the chance to join the Mental Health Champion Leadership Program. In this program, young people are trained to become part of the peer supporters. They are trained in presentation skills, communication, advanced listening and referring and support skills so that they can become mental health advocates in their communities.