Key Facts
SIDINL Mental Health Groups represent a unique and impactful cross-continental initiative. Through small, interactive online groups, the initiative has grown significantly, creating a bridge for storytelling, healing, and collaboration between Africa and Europe. Below are the key facts about the scale and impact of these groups.
Key Themes and Focus Areas
Types of Stories Shared:
- Trauma from Conflict and Displacement: Narratives from refugees, survivors of violence, and displaced individuals.
- Mental Health Stigma: Societal stigma, encouraging open conversations about mental illness.
- Community-Based Healing: Grassroots initiatives, blending traditional practices with modern therapeutic approaches.
- Youth Mental Health: Focus on younger participants, tackling challenges like anxiety, depression, and peer pressure.
- Specialized Trauma: More niche topics such as sexual violence, post-genocide recovery, and intergenerational trauma.
Number of Online Groups
Total Groups: Over 140 mental health-focused online groups have been established since SIDINL’s inception in 2019.
- Africa: Approximately 90 groups spread across 20 countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
- Europe: Over 50 groups across 15 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom.
Participation Rate
Total Participants: More than 2,500 individuals actively participate in these groups, including:
- Local Members: Around 1,800 participants from marginalized communities who share their mental health stories and engage in support activities.
- External Professionals: Approximately 700 professionals from Europe and Africa, including psychologists, trauma counselors, social workers, and humanitarian actors.
Average Length of Group Operations
- Short-Term Groups: Some groups operate for 9–12 months, typically focused on immediate trauma support or specific mental health challenges.
- Long-Term Groups: Many groups are designed for multi-year engagements, with an average duration of 20–24 months, allowing for deep trust-building and sustained impact. Example: A group in Rwanda focused on post-genocide trauma has been active for 4 years.
Engagement Levels:
- Active Participation: Over 85% of participants engage in group activities regularly, sharing stories, providing feedback, or contributing solutions.
Success Stories:
- Over 90% of participants report feeling more supported and less isolated after joining SIDINL Mental Health Groups.
- 75% of groups have successfully launched community-driven mental health initiatives, such as peer-support networks or localized counseling services.
Feedback and Adaptation:
- 85% of participants rate the cross-continental feedback as highly relevant and actionable.
- 60% of local curators have adapted their methods based on insights from external professionals, improving the quality and cultural sensitivity of their groups.
Cross-Continental Representation:
- African professionals guide about 40% of European-based groups, offering insights drawn from their experiences in trauma recovery and community-led support systems.
- European experts lead 60% of African groups, sharing best practices in structured therapy and mental health awareness campaigns.
Collaborative Solutions:
- Over 70% of groups report implementing actionable changes based on feedback from cross-continental participants, such as adapting culturally sensitive therapeutic models or introducing peer-support frameworks.
Geographic Reach:
- Africa: Includes participation from 20 countries, representing diverse regions mainly from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Europe: Spans 15 countries, covering rural, urban, and immigrant-focused communities.
