This article describes the In Tune podcast series run by the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. The series discusses music and its relation to key factors affecting mental health, including social inclusion and community engagement, coping with stress, depression and anxiety, chronic pain, and psychological trauma as well as self-concept and memory.
This article by Abraham Mamela, an engagement specialist based in Botswana, outlines his argument for the need for African cities to be carefully organised to allow them to become hubs of social innovation and science advancement. He also outlines his engagement project, Heartstrings & Heartbeats.
Guide: WHO Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak
by World Health Organisation, Mesh Editorial TeamThe considerations presented in this document have been developed by the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Use as a series of messages that can be used in communications to support mental and psychosocial well-being in different target groups during the COVID-19 pandemic
Project Report: Clinical and Genetic Studies of Hereditary Neurological Disorders in Mali
by Guida Landouré, Mesh Editorial TeamThis project used focus group discussions, individual interviews and community meetings to explore stigma around hereditary neurological diseases in Mali.
Project Report: The Genomics of Schizophrenia in South African Xhosa people (SAX) study
by Megan Campbell, Adele PretoriusThe Genomics of Schizophrenia in South African Xhosa People (SAX) study sought to identify genes or mutations underlying predisposition to schizophrenia in the South African Xhosa population. Engagement activities included a Community Advisory Board and a Mental Health Literacy Day.
This study published by Wellcome in 2021 explores the role, benefits and potential of young people’s involvement in health research, with a focus on mental health, infectious diseases and global heating. It provides recommendations on how to meaningfully involve young people in research, and what it means to do that well.
Project Report: Understanding silenced and gendered health experiences and the impact on access
by Devi Leena Bose, Paromita Saha, Kashma Goyal, Joyeeta Mukherjee, Saif ul HadiThis reports on the The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative's community consultation workshop which aimed to contribute to a better understanding of gender contestations with regards to access to health and participation in biomedical research. They describe how they used body-maps, sharing circles and roadblock/hurdle mapping excercises to explore the topics of the workshop.
Report on the first Hamwe Festival in Rwanda - a celebration of the collaboration between the creative industries and the global health field. The festival featured speakers from across the globe who utilise the arts to make an impact in global health, as well as performances by individuals who represent the synergies between the arts and health fields
Final report and project reflections from 'It’s OK to Talk', an adolescent and youth-focused programme started in 2016, which aimed to increase awareness about mental health and wellbeing, so that more young people feel able to engage in dialogue on mental health.
Arting Health for Impact: India brought together Artists, Scientists and Communities for health
Arting Health for Impact: South Africa focused on collaborative storytelling and participatory design to engage three communities closely involved with mental health
Arting Health for Impact: Botswana engaged the public on HIV/AIDS, mental health and hypertension using street art
Arting Health for Impact: Street art engaging communities in Botswana, South Africa and India
by Abraham Mamela, Mesh Editorial TeamAn international collaborative public engagement partnership using street art to engage local communities in Botswana, India and South Africa.
Bangles and Bindhis: Engaging communities about child marriage in southern Nepal
by Mesh Editorial TeamA film engages Nepalese communities about the health implications of child marriage
Project Report: Z Factor: Using themed drama competitions to facilitate conversations on psychosis
by Denford GudyangaAn overview of a project in Zimbabwe engaging communities on mental health stigma and discrimination. It worked to help combat stigma and open up collaborative pathways between the traditional/faith based and medical models of mental health treatment
Project Report: Actors & Doctors: Staging Public Health Matters
by kartiksharma, Dr Mallika Sarabhai, Sarah IqbalThis theatre project aimed to increase awareness of and engagement with complex public health concerns such as mental, environmental and sexual health. Implemented in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, by the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts
Project Report: It's OK to Talk: Insights from a Youth Mental Health Public Engagement Programme in India
by Mesh Editorial TeamIt’s OK to Talk is an adolescent and youth-focused programme started in 2016, which aims to increase awareness about mental health and wellbeing, so that more young people feel able to engage in dialogue on mental health, and seek help. The It's Ok to Talk programme comprised three core activities: It's Ok to Talk website, events and workshops, and a social media campaign.