By Desire Tshuma and Richmore Tera.
Harare, Zimbabwe. (News of The South) – THE Mental Health Trust, a non-Governmental organization, is making huge strides in its mission of advocating for mental health in Zimbabwe.
Founded by Shingi Benyu in 2011, the organization is currently involved in various charitable works which include promoting mental health in hospitals, counselling as well as donating to people with mental health challenges.
According to Benyu, who is a psychiatric nurse by profession, the Mental Health Trust has so far donated to various centres around Zimbabwe.
“We have helped people in hospitals who suffer from this condition, while we have also donated to Tariro House based in Beatrice, Tirivanhu in Ruwa, Mufusire Clinic in in Makoni Rural District and St Catherine Clinic in Newlands which is run by Zimcare.
“All these projects have been made possible by our partners like the Zimbabwe National Association for Mental Health, Zimplats, Schweppes, BAT, Lobels, Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe while with the assistance of Phoenix Resource Centre we are going to donate some goods, clothes, books and musical instruments.
“We have donated netballs to Zambara Women’s Netball Team in Makoni Rural Dstrict apart from also paying school fees for children who are autistic,” she said.
Benyu said her organization would soon open a rehabilitation centre.
“This rehabilitation centre will cater for people with drug and alcohol problems. We want to raise awareness on mental health issues and also help in reducing the stigma that is associated with this condition which some people often misinterpret as a demon,” said Benyu.
In 2014 and 2015, her organization has held what they call “Party in the Park” which was staged in the Harare Gardens and this year plans are currently underway to make the event bigger and better.
Benyu has had most of her training in the United Kingdom.
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