It's Okay Not To Be Okay
We started the It’s Okay Not To Be Okay initiative to promote menta healt awareness among young people and communities in Malawi. Our experiences within the Scout Movement showed us the importance of creating supportive spaces where people can talk about their feelings, learn about mental well-being, and know where to seek appropriate support. The initiative was therefore developed to help reduce stigma, encourage positive conversations, strengthen peer support, and promote a culture where taking care of mental well-being is recognised as an important part of a healthy life.
The project was implemented through a range of structured activities, including Psychological First Aid trainings, mental health awareness campaigns on social media, and in-person camps and retreats. Additional approaches such as hiking challenges, a mental health conference, and virtual campfire sessions were used to encourage open dialogue, peer support, and wider community engagement around mental well-being.
The It’s Okay Not To Be Okay initiative has increased mental health awareness and reduced stigma by creating safe spaces for open discussion among Scouts and community members. Through training, camps, and other outdoor activities conducted has improved help seeking behavior, gained skills on emotional support and stronger connections to professional has contributing to improved community well-being.
The project highlighted the importance of listening without judgement, proactively reaching out to those in distress, and linking individuals to professional support services. These actions proved essential in creating trust, reducing stigma, and ensuring that people receive appropriate help in a timely manner. University lecturers contributed by providing mental health education and motivation sessions. A Catholic priest supported the initiative through spiritual guidance and counselling, while a local musician helped promote mental health awareness through engagement with young people.
