How Community Bonds Became My Mental Health Lifeline
It was a hot Tuesday at Ketu when I learned the true cost of isolation. For months, I had been juggling freelance deadlines, family expectations, and Lagos’ relentless pace. I
It was a cold December morning in Lagos. Tunde, a university student, sat by his hospital bed, feeling overwhelmed and alone. The weight of his illness had left him disconnected from his friends and uncertain about the future.
That morning, a nurse handed him a small postcard. It read: “You are stronger than you know. Someone out there believes in you.”
Tunde didn’t know who wrote it. But that simple message – a few kind words from a stranger – was enough to bring tears to his eyes and warmth to his heart.
That postcard became a symbol of hope he carried with him through recovery.
Now, imagine thousands of others receiving that same light during difficult times. This is the heart behind the Lagos Paper Hugs Campaign.
The Lagos Paper Hugs Campaign is a festive initiative by LagosMiND aimed at spreading hope, love, and encouragement to individuals who may feel isolated or overwhelmed during the holiday season.
Through handwritten postcards filled with messages of support, we seek to brighten the days of:
1. Patients in hospitals and chronic care facilities.
2. Students facing academic stress and personal struggles.
3. Workers navigating life’s daily challenges.
4. The elderly in care homes longing for connection.
The campaign’s goal is simple – collect and deliver 1,000 handwritten messages to vulnerable groups across Lagos, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
At LagosMiND, we know that mental health can be fragile, especially during the holidays. For some, this time of year can bring loneliness and sadness. A small gesture of kindness, like a heartfelt message, can shift someone’s entire perspective.
But we can’t do this alone. We need your voice – your compassion – to make this happen.
Together, we hope to:
⁃ Inspire 1,000 acts of kindness through handwritten postcards.
⁃ Deliver messages of hope across hospitals, schools, care homes, and public spaces.
⁃ Engage the Lagos community in mental health advocacy and empathy.
Becoming part of the Lagos Paper Hugs Campaign is simple, but the impact is life changing.
Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Write a Message of Hope:
Submit a short, heartfelt message to encourage someone. It could be as simple as: “You matter. You are not alone.”
2. Submit your message:
By filling out the Paper Hug Campaign form or sending a WhatsApp message, click below to send us a message
3. Spread the Word:
Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to participate. The more messages we collect, the more people we can reach.
4. Volunteer:
Join us in handwriting and distributing postcards during our volunteer events in January
The Campaign was launched on 23rd December, 2024
The Campaign aims to end January 10, 2025
We aim to have all postcards delivered by the second week of January to ensure the warmth of the holidays lingers a little longer for those who need it most.
Your words might seem small, but to someone feeling forgotten, they can mean the world.
A kind message can remind someone to keep going, push forward, and know they are not alone in their journey.
This campaign wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of mental health champions across Lagos and Nigeria – from nurses and therapists to volunteers and advocates. Your work is saving lives, healing hearts, and making our communities brighter.
Your dedication inspires us to continue pushing for a future where mental health is prioritized and supported for all.
Because as we always say – there is no health without mental health.
It was a hot Tuesday at Ketu when I learned the true cost of isolation. For months, I had been juggling freelance deadlines, family expectations, and Lagos’ relentless pace. I
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