Following on from my frequent visits to African countries to provide training and coaching services through my organisation LYFT CIC, I now find myself partnering with two local trainers, Lindiwe Nameko and Mabakuena Mokhantso, to organise and facilitate a mental health awareness week in the southern region of Quthing in Lesotho.

We are looking to raise £2,000 to support the event which will be attended by members of the community, health department leaders, charities and NGOs working in the area and, all being well, Government ministers.

Below you will find a link to a detailed presentation providing more information about this little-known independent country entirely nestled in the South African countryside, but some brief information here.

Formally known as Basutoland, Lesotho gained its independence from the United Kingdom and became the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1966. The population numbers more 2.3 million, and the capital is Maseru which is home to 10% of the population. Lesotho people are known ‘Basotho’ and the main languages in use are Sesotho and English are the official languages. The mountainous landscape of the country means that little of its land is available for farming.

Lesotho faces many challenges such as food shortages and limited employment possibilities. The consequence of the many difficulties the country struggles against generates enormous suffering for the locals, and it so sad to report that Lesotho has the highest rate of suicide in the world, 9 times higher than anywhere else at 89 people in every 100,000. It also has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDs. 'Trumpism' has added mercilessly to this suffering.

With this background, the week-long event is more important than ever to raise awareness. We will be providing educational workshops, talks from health experts, training for health workers, walks and talks sessions, craftworks, a fair for local support agencies to raise their profile. We also hope to put together health kits to give to the local people.

But without your support our ambitions plans may not all be met and so we are asking for your donations to make the event a success, raise awareness of the issue and let local people where they can get support.

You can access the full presentation here: https://www.lyftcic.org/about-us/news-and-blogs/

Please note, all donations received will be entirely used to support the activities of the event. All personal travel expenses are personally financed.

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