Dear Valued Supporters, I am thrilled to share with you the work that we have done to impact men’s mental health. I have always been passionate about supporting individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges, and I have been particularly concerned about the high rates of suicide and depression. As you may know, men are often less likely to seek help for mental health concerns than women — a trend that is likely perpetuated in part by cultural norms and perceptions of masculinity. To address these challenges, we embarked on a mission to create a safe and accessible space for men to explore, discuss, and address their mental health. Over the past year, we have worked tirelessly to build a robust online community that provides men with the resources, support, and guidance they need to manage their mental health and build resilience. Our community embodies our values of inclusivity, non-judgment, and openness, fostering an environment where men feel comfortable sharing their experiences, discussing their challenges, and seeking help when they need it. Through online support groups, virtual events, and one-on-one coaching sessions, we provide men with the tools and strategies necessary to manage stress, build resilience, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. One of our proudest achievements as a community has been the creation of our men’s mental health counseling platform. The platform is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are available to provide confidential, non-judgmental support and guidance to men who are struggling with mental health challenges. We understand that seeking help takes courage and that men may face unique challenges and barriers in accessing care, which is why we are committed to making our platform accessible and available to all men who need it. We also recognize that mental health is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach. That’s why we have developed a range of resources that address mental health from various angles, including physical health, relationship building, and stress management. Our community members have access to resources on workouts and mindfulness practices, among other things, to help them pursue holistic wellness and support their mental health over the long term. Ultimately, our aim is to build a movement that dismantles the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and provides men with the tools and support. We sincerely thank all our partners, sponsors and generous donors. We are very grateful for your unwavering support towards advancing our cause. As we look forward to a more productive year, please be assured of my kind regards. Halima O. Layeni
Halima Layeni Joins Every Woman Coalition As A 1000 Voices Fellow
Every Woman Treaty is a coalition of more than 1,700 women’s rights advocates in 128 countries working to provide backup to front-line women’s rights activists and to secure a treaty to eradicate violence against women and girls. LAAF Founder, Halima Layeni joins the fellowship for her unique approach in engaging boys and men in the progressive conversations on protection and equal right for all women and girls as a tool for advancing gender equality as well as advancing men’s mental health as a tool for promoting a safe, just and socially healthy society for all.
Civic Hive In Partnership With Leap Africa Selects LAAF To Attend Her Capacity Building Program
This Civic Hive Capacity Building programme was organised to ensure that youth-led civil society organisations achieve their organisational objectives by guiding them through carefully chosen courses intended for the best possible organisational growth. The key courses and speakers include; Strategic Development, Joseph Amamanaghawon – Head of Strategy, Cive Hive, Strategic Communication; Amanda Aguegbo – Executive Director, TechNG, Grant Writing; Olugbenga Ogunbiwale – CEO/Co-founder, Grant Master, Research Writing; Vahyala Kesha – Senior Research & Policy Analyst, BudgIT, Data Analysis; Adejumobi Joshua – Program Management & Evaluation; Temidayo Musa – Programs & Operations Lead, Civic Hive.
LAAF Launches Building Fund For Her Men’s Support Centre – The First Of Its Kind In Africa
Life After Abuse Foundation launches her Men’s Support Centre building fund – the first centre of its kind in Africa. The centre’s primary goal is to provide battered men and boys with essential medical, psychosocial and legal support, helping them to recover and rebuild their lives. Through these efforts, LAAF hopes to bring vital support services to communities in need, ensuring that all male victims of trauma, sexual and domestic violence have access to the resources they need to heal and thrive. To support the building project, donate, kindly make payment into Life After Abuse Foundation, Guaranty Trust Bank: NGR – 0267561215, USD – 0748634890, GBP – 0748634900, EUR – 0749634917 or donate online via paystack.com/pay/laaf
Halima Layeni Emerges Winner Of Donors For Africa Women In Development Award
Congratulations to LAAF Founder, Halima Layeni on winning the Donors for Africa Women in Development award. Donors for Africa Women in Development award identifies and celebrates the remarkable work of women in International Development from across Africa. The recognition is aimed at documenting the stories of African women leading change across the continent-becoming a repository of data, information, and research findings.
His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari Signs Mental Health Bill Into Law In Nigeria
His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari signed into law the Mental Health Bill harmonised by both Houses of Assembly in 2021. Some provisions of the National Mental Health Bill include creating a Department of Mental Health Services in the Federal Ministry of Health and a Mental Health Fund. It will help to establish human rights protections for those with mental health conditions, such as banning discrimination in housing, employment, medical, and other social services.
Halima Layeni Joins The Nguvu Collective Network
Nguvu Collective is committed to unlocking the power of emerging leaders from marginalised communities to create large-scale, positive social impact. It is dedicated to growing the Change.org She Creates Change and We Create Change initiative. It specialises in helping Change Leaders redefine their perceived (personal and external) brand and power. The Nguvu model focuses on exponentially growing this change in power narrative across a collective of hundreds and thousands of Change Leaders. Halima Layeni is a We Create Change Changemaker who was selected to join the cohort for her work on men’s mental health advocacy.
LAAF Receives Honorary Mental Health NGO Award Of The Year
Life After Abuse Foundation receives honorary award at the maiden edition of the Mental Health Conference, organized by renowned Psychiatrist, Therapist and Mental Health Advocate with over 20 years of practice, Dr. Maymunah Yusuf-Kadiri in recognition of LAAF’s numerous contributions towards the growth and development of the mental health ecosystem and the healthcare sector in Nigeria. The award was received by LAAF Founder and Executive Director, Halima Layeni. In attendance were also LAAF Volunteers; Adeyemi Kester, Ikeoluwa Olatoke, Promise Taiwo & Victor Madike.
LAAF Launches Mental Health Support Project For Boys In Juveniles, Refugee Camps & Rural Communities
LAAF launches Boys Mental Health Support Project for boys in juveniles, refugee camps and rural communities. Project Boys Mental Health Support (PBMHS) is an initiative of the Life After Abuse Foundation established with the vision to provide education, mentorship and counselling to boys who have suffered childhood trauma or abuse in their life time. Increasing boys’ mental health fosters recovery of communities, freedom of expression, peace, a more inclusive growth and ultimately breaks the stigma surrounding boys’ mental health. The initiative has received 46 volunteer applications from young change leaders in 5 states in Nigeria and Cameroon. These volunteers continue to implement projects in their local communities that advances boys’ mental health.