African community organisation Gulf Good Vibes recently held an initiative to promote mental health awareness among African professionals in Qatar. The community initiative comprised professionals from various fields such as psychology, wellness, finance, education, and mental health, and is part of Gulf Good Vibes’ ongoing collaboration with mental health professionals, Africa Unite Community leaders, and organisations like Flourishing Minds Clinic and the Global South Health and Arts Week.
This workshop was part of the development process for the Community Mental Health Buddy Program, which aligns with the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) National Mental Health Champions Program.
The event explores innovative approaches to community-based mental health support and peer-to-peer wellness interventions. The workshop received support from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Charity, Workers Support & Insurance Fund, Building and Wood Workers’ International, and Alburaque Counseling Psychologist Consultancy.
“Mental health is key because when the mind is affected, the community will not work. For many of us expats in the Gulf and due to the reason we moved here if we are not mentally okay, it will affect productivity at work, relations with colleagues and delivery. So if the mind is supported, we’re helping our people stay here without going through stress because most of our families are not here,” said Felix Cheriuyot, Team Leader of Gulf Good Vibes.
Cheriuyot stressed that mental health is a universal problem and called on all African leaders and professionals to partner in spreading awareness.
“When you walk alone, you can go fast, but when you walk with others, you will go far. We need to partner with the other African community leaders and create stronger systems to help our community.”
Trish Bedford, art psychotherapist at Flourishing Minds Clinic and the country director for the Global South Arts and Health Week, said creative spaces are needed for people to decompress; however, these spaces are less popular in the country.
“These spaces are needed for everybody. The usual community spaces where people gather to cook and work together are gone. We commute alone, eat and watch things alone,” Bedford said. “That’s not how it’s supposed to be. You’ve got home and work, and we need a third place. People need these spaces, and if you’re having a problem, you just need this small space where you don’t have to explain yourself.”
