Plateau State prison inmates across the three senatorial zones have received free books and awareness on mental health in commemoration of the World Mental Health Day on Saturday.
To mark this year’s celebration, a non-governmental organization, Zishiya Empowerment Foundation took sensitization campaign and free books distribution to the inmates at the three Correctional Service Centres in the state. They include Shendam (southern zone), Pankshin (central zone) and Jos (northern zone).
Speaking with newsmen after the outreach at the Jos correctional centre, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Violet Nyelong Kaburuk Adama, said prisoners are at high risk of mental health disorder, and hence the need for the outreach and distribution of the motivational books which will boost their mental health,
“Some of them have been in detention for years with prolonged or no trial. Some were even convicted for offences they knew nothing about and some of these people have families who dominate their thoughts all the time. These people are prone to mental health disorders, and/or drug abuse which eventually impact the mental health of a person negatively. Sadly, these issues if not promptly treated can be passed on to generations,” she said.
World Mental Health Day, she said, is commemorated on October 10 every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
The theme for this year is, ‘Mental Health For All’, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.
