A non-governmental organisation, Origami Society Nigeria, has on the occasion of the 2022 World Mental Health Day, advocated the prioritisation of mental health support for all, especially for people with disabilities.
Members of the organisation recently made this known, in Lagos, during the second edition of their programme tagged ‘Origami in Mental Health’, which was a 2-day summit themed ‘Make mental health a priority for all’.
The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day was ‘Mental health in an unequal world’. So, the organisation decided to focus on disability inclusion, in line with one of its core values, which is ‘Community Spirit and Inclusion’.
The founder of Origami Society Nigeria and creative director of iFoldedit Origami, Oluwatobi Sodimu, on the first day of the event − which was held virtually − highlighted the mental health aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, unavailability of mental health professionals, and the persistent socio-economic challenges in Nigeria and all over the world.
“These challenges have necessitated community-based initiatives and funding of innovative solutions to provide psychosocial support and interventions to mitigate mental health problems,” he said.
He added that Origami in Mental Health was created to bridge the gap in mental health through collaborations with relevant organisations/institutions, advocacy, and support through Origami-related workshops to provide psychosocial support.
Toshiko Kobayashi, the keynote speaker at the event, emphasised the therapeutic nature and healing power of origami artwork. She demonstrated to the guests how folding a piece of paper could be a relieving and productive engagement.
Mrs Precious Eberechukwu, a representative of Women’s Rights and Health Project, explained how they provide legal and psychosocial support, with origami being one of the tools for victims of gender-based violence who go through anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
