Help Youth Recover From Mental health and COVID

Dear GlobalGiving 

I hope this message finds you well.

Mental Health Challenges Faced by the LGBTI Community

As the situation for LGBTI individuals in Uganda grows increasingly challenging, mental health has become an urgent priority. Many individuals in our community face high levels of trauma due to continuous discrimination, societal rejection, and the hostile political environment, worsened by the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act. The 2025 elections further heighten these anxieties, with an anticipated increase in hate speech and discriminatory actions from politicians.

Key challenges include:

Depression and Anxiety: Stemming from constant fear of persecution, house evictions, unemployment, and social isolation. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Resulting from past experiences of harassment, violence, or imprisonment. Limited Access to Mental Health Services: LGBTI individuals face discrimination within the healthcare system, making access to supportive mental health services even more challenging.

Our Response

In response, we’ve prioritized mental health support through several initiatives:

Counseling Services: We've partnered with local mental health professionals to provide trauma-informed counseling. These sessions have provided a much-needed space for individuals to share their experiences in a safe environment.

Peer Support Groups: We have formed peer support groups that meet regularly, allowing individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges. These groups offer emotional support and have proven effective in reducing isolation and stress.

Mental Health Awareness: We have initiated awareness campaigns within the LGBTI community and with allies to reduce stigma around mental health. Our goal is to normalize seeking help and open dialogue around mental health issues.

Crisis Hotline: With the help of your funding, we’ve established a 24/7 hotline for individuals experiencing mental health crises, providing immediate support in emergency situations.

Impact

Since implementing these initiatives, we’ve seen significant positive changes in the community:

Increased Engagement: More community members are accessing mental health services, with over 200 individuals receiving counseling support in the past six months.

Improved Well-Being: Many participants report feeling less anxious and more equipped to manage their stress and emotional well-being.

Strengthened Community Bonds: Peer support groups have fostered a sense of belonging and solidarity, helping to rebuild trust and resilience.

Looking Ahead

Despite these gains, the challenges ahead remain significant. With the upcoming elections in 2025, we expect mental health needs to increase due to the anticipated rise in discrimination and violence. To continue offering these life-saving services, we are seeking further funding support to:

Expand our counseling services to reach more individuals.

Provide additional training for mental health professionals working with LGBTI clients.

Strengthen our crisis intervention services, especially as the election period approaches.

Request for Continued Support

We kindly request continued support from GlobalGiving donors to sustain and expand our mental health programs.

Your support will allow us to not only maintain the services we currently provide but also scale up to meet the increasing needs of our community during this crucial time.

Thank you for considering our request, and for your continued partnership in standing with the LGBTI community in Uganda.

Mbarara Rise Foundation