Leprosy Mission Nigeria Commissions Toll Free Call Centre To Address Mental Health Concerns

The Albino Foundation Public Notice

THE Leprosy Mission, Nigeria (TLMN), has commissioned a toll-free Call Centre dedicated to providing support for individuals, groups and communities to help address mental health concerns across the country. The project is tagged ‘TLMN Wellness Connect Centre’. The toll free number is 080 0000 5060, with facility to respond in English and Hausa presently, other Nigerian languages will be added later.

Barrister Mrs. Nella Andem Rabanna, Board member, TLMN, represented by Dr. Waku Akande explained that the call centre is setup to address the issues associated with mental health and counseling services.

Barrister Mrs. Rabanna states the goal of TLMN Wellness Connect is to ensure everyone is in good mental health and can contribute to his community fully and effectively.

Dr. Sunday Udo, The National Director of TLMN, in his address invited all Nigerians, especially the marginalized, persons with disabilities to utilize this platform to get free advice and counseling on concerns of mental health.

Dr. Udo said “With the inauguration of this call centre, TLMN is taking another significant step towards ensuring that PWDs voices are heard, concerns addressed and mental well-being prioritised.”

“Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being. It is a facet of healthcare that unjustly receives less attention than it deserves globally but worst in Nigeria, especially when it comes to PWDs.

“Our commitment to providing support, inclusivity and empowerment for these groups often overlooked and marginalised is unwavering.

“Wth the Wellness Connect, TLMN is restoring confidence in persons with disabilities who feel excluded, neglected in the society. Today we are here to witness the official commissioning of Wellness Connect, is a toll free call centre set up to provide sustainable support to both individuals and groups that are being distressed mentally due to one form of abuse or the other.

“our support is to both individuals and groups that are being distressed mentally due to one form of abuse or the other.

“This toll free call centre will serve as a life line for PWDs who are struggling with mental health challenges. It will provide a safe and confidential space for them to share their thoughts and emotions,”

“As we inaugurate this Centre, I hope and trust it will be a symbol of hope, progress and a positive change in the field of mental health and provision of support to those with disabilities.”

In his goodwill message, Malam Mohammed Isah, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity,  said TLMN as served as a beacon of hope for those that are marginalised and overlooked.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu is geared to ensuring that all Nigerians, especially PWDs receive needed care both economically and physiologically.  

He said “the TLMN Wellness Connect is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background or circumstances, access the services and support they need to care for their mental health concerns.

“Psychological distress knows no boundary; it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, disability and economic status.

The National President of the Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy (IDEA Nigeria), Mr. Peter Iorkighir said the centre will go a long way to address the mental health need of PWDs as they face stigmatization and discrimination daily.

Mr. Iorkighir said “Strengthening mental health and supporting persons with disabilities who have mental health is something that is very important and it is coming at a very good time.”