Lagos State Government has introduced mental health lifelines, to help residents seek mental health support and care.
Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi has said the objective of setting up the service is to improve access to simple diagnostic, counselling and referral services for Lagosians, either as first point-of-call, or for follow-up care.
He spoke while reviewing the implementation of mental health policies, programmes and projects initiated by the government to improve citizens’ access to mental health care.
His words.“As Lagos joins the rest of the world to commemorate 2020 World Mental Health Day, the government said it has established a mental health helpline – ‘Lagos Lifeline – 0909000MIND (09090006463)’ to provide citizens with access to mental health information and help, including telephone counselling, social support and referral where appropriate.
“The Lagos Lifeline is designed to bridge the gap in the availability of mental health service. The provides simple counselling and psychotherapy for citizens who are either seeking care for themselves or a loved one through the use of existing technology.
“Manned by trained counsellors, the lifeline also provides access to information, counselling services, referrals and networking and other social intervention services such as domestic violence, sexual assault and substance abuse,” he said.
