ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
HEART TO HEART SPACES is a mental health community that provides safe spaces for people on their journey to healing focusing on a client/patient-based approach. Heart to Heart Spaces gives people spaces to share stories about their illness, coping mechanisms and healing formula (For those that have made it to the other side).
Heart To Heart Spaces carries out advocacy and empowerment programs and also provides emotional support for families and loved ones that have patients fighting with mental illness.
It educates people about mental health first aid, provides referrals to therapists, psychiatrists, counseling services and looks for affordable therapy options for patients.
BACKGROUND
2013
In Uganda, Kavuma (2013), asserts that about 35% of Ugandans suffer from some form of mental disorder having depression at the top of this list. Similarly, Farzaei et al., (2016) note that the most common mental disorders in Uganda include; depression, anxiety disorder and elevated stress.
Furthermore, Uganda ranks among the top six countries in Africa in rates of depressive disorders according to Miller et al., (2020) while WHO (2017) states that 2.9% live with anxiety disorders.
2007
A 2007 study previously reported that 35% (n = 9.6 million, based on Ugandan population at that time) of Uganda’s population currently suffers from mental illness; while just under half of these individuals require some form of treatment for their illness, most never seek mental health services.
Since 2007, the World Bank reports that the population of Uganda has increased from approximately 30 million to over 39 million. It is likely that the prevalence of mental illness continues to increase as the population continues to grow.
VISION
MISSION
OBJECTIVES
- To establish safe, supportive spaces; both physical and virtual where individuals feel secure, valued and free from judgement as they navigate their mental health journey.
- To promote mental health education by providing training on mental health first aid, creating awareness about mental health disorders, and encouraging open conversations to end stigma.
- To empower individuals through advocacy programs that give voice to those affected by mental health challenges and equip them with tools to regain control over their wellness.
- To collaborate with partners to implement community-based mental health initiatives, including outreach programs in schools, workplaces and under-served areas.