our background
We envision bridging the significant gap in service provision for vulnerable people in Africa. Our mission is to actively promote the well-being of individuals in our society, especially those with psychosocial needs, by delivering fit-for-purpose services.
Active Support and Care started in The Gambia in 2000 with the establishment of Body & Mind, a care home for women facing mental health challenges, following a hospital music therapy outreach by the founder. The organization obtained registration in the United Kingdom in 2000, Nigeria in 2007, the United States in 2008, and Rwanda in 2012. However, due to financial constraints, only services in The Gambia and Nigeria are currently operational.
In the current economic climate, many individuals with mental health issues in Africa lack adequate medical attention. These vulnerable individuals are often left to fend for themselves, leading them to fall prey to rapists, ritual killers, and other miscreants. They roam the streets, relying on handouts from the public and scavenging from dustbins. Women, in particular, suffer the most, facing frequent incidents of rape and unwanted pregnancies. Tragically, when they give birth, their babies are often stolen from them.
The management of individuals with special needs, particularly those facing mental health issues, poses a significant challenge to many countries in Africa, primarily due to the associated stigma. ASC holds the belief, supported by proven evidence, that timely assessment and treatment of individuals with mental health issues can result in the restoration of their full faculties, enabling them to become active contributors to the community.
our challenges
Societal Apathy Toward People with Mental Health Challenges
Society exhibits a lack of tolerance towards individuals facing mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the government often fails to prioritize their needs. Moreover, they frequently encounter stigmatization and abandonment, being unfairly associated with fetishism and witchcraft.
Lack of Trained Mental Health Care Professionals
The Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria reports a scarcity of mental health professionals, with only 250 psychiatrists available to serve a population exceeding 200 million people.
Funding for Active Support and Care Projects
Since 2000, the Ezengwa family has been the sole funder of our organization. To broaden our impact and achieve our mission, we aspire to collaborate with public and private entities, as well as individuals interested in supporting our projects.
Lack of Trained Mental Health Care Services
This initiative involves establishing a Health and Social Care College to train community health workers in practical skills such as bead making, shoe making, agriculture, and more. The goal is to actively engage and empower individuals on their healing journey.
We have an extensive support network
our services
We have been implementing a limited version of our Community Psychosocial Support Services.
Residential support
Providing residential services for women facing mental health challenges.
Floating support services
Removing vulnerable women with mental health issues fromth streets.
Childcare services
Extending childcare services for children of the women with mental health challenges under our care.
Education for Employment (E4E)
Partnering with the Abia State Govt. to provide support for people with special needs.