top of page

Promoting Lived Experience Leadership in Mental Health

At Twogere, we are deeply committed to championing lived experience leadership as a cornerstone of mental health advocacy and intervention. We amplify the voices of individuals who have personally navigated mental health challenges, leveraging their insights to educate, inspire, and foster understanding. Through Contact Education Sessions, we create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and shared learning, breaking down stigma and promoting compassionate mental health practices.

What are Social Contact Sessions?

Contact Education Sessions are interactive events where individuals with lived experiences of mental health conditions share their personal stories with those withiout the lived experience. These sessions provide an authentic and humanized perspective on mental health, making the subject relatable, understandable, and impactful for participants.

We conduct these sessions in diverse settings to reach various audiences, ensuring that mental health awareness becomes an integral part of everyday conversations. Below is an overview of how we implement this approach across different contexts:

1 (2).jpg

In Schools

Our sessions in schools aim to nurture mental health awareness among young people, empowering them to recognize, understand, and support mental health challenges.

Target Audience: Students, teachers, and school administrators.


Activities:

  • Interactive storytelling by individuals with lived experience.

  • Discussions on recognizing signs of mental distress and seeking help.

  • Tailored resources for mental health support.

 

Outcomes: Increased empathy among students, reduced stigma, and a supportive school environment where mental health is openly discussed and addressed.

FqYQnTWX0AICEzf.jpeg

In Communities

Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier in many communities. At Twogere, we work to dismantle these barriers by fostering community-wide understanding of mental health.

Target Audience: Local leaders, families, and community members of all ages.


Activities:

  • Community gatherings featuring lived experience stories.

  • Workshops on mental health first aid and support strategies.

  • Collaborative discussions to address local mental health challenges.

 

Outcomes: Strengthened community networks that prioritize mental health and enhanced access to local resources for individuals in need.


We believe that change begins at the grassroots, and by engaging entire communities, we inspire collective action toward better mental health outcomes.

DSC_0303.JPG

In Workplaces

Mental health significantly influences workplace productivity, engagement, and well-being. We bring Contact Education Sessions to organizations to help them cultivate mental health-friendly work environments.

Target Audience: Employees, managers, and HR professionals.

 

Activities:

  • Storytelling sessions that humanize mental health experiences.

  • Training on mental health policies and employee support mechanisms.

  • Open forums for employees to share their perspectives.

 

Outcomes: Reduced workplace stigma, enhanced employee well-being, and practical strategies to integrate mental health support into organizational policies.


By addressing mental health in professional settings, we help organizations prioritize their most valuable asset: their people.

Businesswoman with Digital Gadgets

In Places of  Worship

Places of worship are trusted spaces where many seek solace and guidance. We work with faith leaders to integrate mental health education into these sacred spaces.

Target Audience: Congregants and faith leaders across various religious communities.


Activities:

  • Faith-sensitive storytelling sessions.

  • Workshops on the intersection of mental health and spirituality.

  • Resources for faith leaders to support their congregants' mental health.

Outcomes: Improved understanding of mental health within faith contexts, reduced stigma, and stronger faith-based mental health support networks.

_DSC3784.NEF

Why Lived Experience Leadership Matters

By placing lived experience at the heart of our work, we ensure that mental health education is authentic, impactful, and relatable. Individuals who share their stories inspire hope, challenge misconceptions, and create a ripple effect of awareness that transforms attitudes and behaviors.

At Twogere, we believe that lived experience leadership is not just a focus area—it’s a movement. Through Contact Education Sessions, we are building communities where mental health is understood, prioritized, and supported. 

bottom of page