The Mental Health Authority (MHA) has opened a call center in Accra to give free psychosocial help to anybody in need of mental health counseling.
Toll free
Professor Akwasi Osei, Chief Executive of the MHA, stated that with the increase in suicides in 2017, the authority decided to come up with the concept to support those who required mental health advice and counselling. It will also contribute to a decrease in the number of suicides.
“For five good years, we have been having consultations with the telecommunications providers and they eventually agreed to the idea with a reduced cost,” he said.
He expressed hope that the contact center will save lives and lower the country’s suicide rate.
Sigh of relief
The MHA’s Board Chairperson, Estelle Matilda Appiah, who opened the center, said the initiative was a relief since it would save lives via psychosocial assistance.
“The vulnerable will not have to battle alone with mental issues, but will be able to conveniently off-load stress to the people who have the expertise to help them through their challenges on the other end of the phone,” she said.
A view of the call centre of the Mental Health Authority.
She went on to say that the authority expected the effort to be viewed as a national resource and that people would wish to contribute to the call center’s long-term viability.
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“Once in a while, each of us may experience some form of mental disorder and it is on these occasions that this resource will be available to everyone to help deal with whatever condition the vulnerable may face,” she said.
Important activity
Kwaku Brobbey, MHA’s Head of Communications, stated that the contact center was one of the MHA’s most important initiatives since it would require the cooperation of all and sundry to ensure its growth and sustainability.
“With this, we can be assured that thousands of lives will be saved every year,” he said.
Prof. Angela Ofori-Atta, Head of the Psychology Department at the University of Ghana Medical School, stated that the support system in charge of the call center, Psych corps, was made up of individuals who had been well-trained and were well-versed in psychology and willing to assist individuals who needed assistance.
SOURCE: GRAPHICONLINE
