Mental Health
First Aiders
Fellowship
In a country where 1 in 5 people are affected by mental health conditions and fewer than 200 psychiatrists serve over 200 million people, RHF is training young Nigerians to become first responders, advocates, and community changemakers.
Impact & Approach
How It Works
Following an open call for applications, the Fellowship received over 1,500 applications from across Nigeria — reflecting the growing demand for practical mental health leadership. After a competitive selection process, 25 fellows were chosen and trained through a structured learning experience focused on mental health awareness, support, advocacy, and project implementation.
Train young people as mental health first responders and advocates.
Fund community change projects in schools, hospitals, and communities.
Normalize mental health conversations and reduce stigma.
Build a generation of community changemakers in mental health.
Community Projects
Participants developed and submitted community change project proposals, with the top 3 proposals funded for implementation. These projects were successfully carried out in schools, hospitals, and communities across Abuja and Zaria, extending mental health conversations and support to people where they live, learn, and heal.
“1 in 5 Nigerians are affected by mental health conditions — yet fewer than 200 psychiatrists serve over 200 million people.”
The Gap MHFF Is Closing
Fellowship Impact
1,500+
Applications Received
25
Fellows Selected & Trained
3
Community Projects Funded
Implementation Locations
Building a New Generation
Normalizing Mental Health, One Community at a Time.
Through the MHFF, the Restored Heart Foundation is building a new generation of mental health first-aiders who are helping normalize conversations, reduce stigma, and improve access to support across Nigeria.