Reconnect Health Development Initiative (Reconnect HDI) is a mental health charity registered in the United Kingdom (Charities Commission Number (1160808) and Nigeria (CAC/IT/NO 62119) to provide support to people, communities and organisations are affected by and interested in mental health and substance abuse issues.
The charity plans to have a presence in most developing countries with the purpose of running programs in areas of mental health and addiction. We also look to implemt some programs locally in the United Kingdom.
ReconnectHDI In NIgeria is primarily funded at the moment by Synapse services. Synapse service is a private mental health facilty in NIgeria.
Stress , poverty, corruption in many developing countries continues to play a big role in why mentally ill people do not have access to good care. Human beings are still being beaten to get rid of evil spirits believed to be responsible for mental illness. Communities are being dessimated by terror groups and it's victims are rapped, dehumanised and psychologically battered (as seen in Boko Harram insurgency in Nigeria). Limited funds are available to help these people. Medications that cost £2.00 a month can make a difference but are not available. ReconnectHDI is making a differnece but needs support to do more.
MISSION STATEMENT
Reconnect Health Development Initiative has a mission to create awareness and advance policy on mental health. We also seek to promote its tolerance & understanding. We aim to work with relevant stakeholders to eradicate stigma, tackle drug abuse problems, and support enhanced access to curative and preventive services. We aim to provide support and advocacy services for relevant groups.
OBJECTIVES
CORE VALUES
To reach out to as many people as we can
2. Responsiveness
We listen, we act
3. Transparency and Honesty
Honesty is our virtue
4. Accountability
We give account of our stewardship
5. Equality and justice
We respond to individuals or groups fairly
6. Confidentiality
We respect the privacy of our beneficiaries
PROGRAMS
ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU (APLY): ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU (APLY) is a primary prevention program that targets youth through their educational institutions, families and communities by means of a sustainable approach that provides quality substance abuse prevention services, harm reduction education and a strong support system to enable them become advocates of the anti-drug campaign. The key purpose of this project is to empower youth to be adequately informed on the physical, social and psychological aspects of health that are associated with drug use so as to adopt healthy behaviors, identify associated risk factors, develop prevention techniques and promote improved treatment outcomes in users and addicts.
APLY has provided training to teachers from 8 secondary schools, and is currently being implemented in 5 Secondary schools.
NATIONAL HELPLINE: A helpline that provides first line of support and counselling to primary and secondary victims of substance abuse and mental health disorders. Beneficiaries are able to seek advice, gain information and support and/or be referred to appropriate services. A helpline has already been set up in Nigeria and its the Norhern Governors Wives forum has agreed to fund and expand its services in Nigeria. We plan to set up Reconnect helpline in the UK.
Reconnect CLUB 14: A support group that provides an emotionally safe and supportive environment for recovering addicts to share experiences, discuss challenges and get support. It also provides a means through which other substance users can be directed to a means of treatment and rehabilitation.
RECONNECT SUPPORT SERVICES: A support group that provides a platform for families affected by addiction to gain encouragement and coping skills that can enhance recovery of their affected loved one or family.
PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE (IDPs): This program provides mental health psychosocial services to the victims of insurgency who have been displaced from their homes. Intervention models include Psychotherapy, Psychopharmacology and rehabilitation services.
This intervention has been provided in the following areas in Nigeria affected by BOKO HARRAM INSURGENCY
OUTREACHES: Prevention interventions are key to addressing the menace of drugs, and promoting overall better mental health. As such, Reconnect HDI has been involved in an array of outreach programs in the forms of advocacy, sensitization and awareness. We have carried out outreach activities in over 30 communities across 5 states that include Borno, Niger, Lagos, Nassarawa and FCT states in Nigeria.
