Health Intel Trust-SAAB Mental Health Outreach
Breaking the Silence: How We Reached Over 500 Students with Mental Health Education in Lagos
In many classrooms today, academic excellence is emphasised, but conversations about mental health are often left out. Yet, for many young people, the pressure to fit in and navigate life can feel overwhelming.
In May 2025, Health Intel Trust, in collaboration with Sound As A Bell (SAAB), set out to change that narrative. Through a five-day Mental Health Outreach across six secondary schools in Lagos State, we created safe spaces where students could learn, speak and be heard.
Why Mental Health Education Matters for Young People
Adolescence is a critical stage of development. It’s a period when pressures increase and emotional experiences deepen. However, many students lack the confidence or support to talk about what they are going through.
This outreach was designed not only to inform, but also to empower. We wanted students to understand one simple truth: their mental health matters just as much as their academic success.
The outreach kicked off at Eletu Odibo Senior High School, where students were introduced to the concept of mental health in a way that resonated deeply with their everyday experiences. The students spoke openly about topics that are often felt but rarely discussed, such as peer pressure, identity and self-worth. What stood out was not just their participation, but their openness.
Creating Safe Spaces for Expression
At St. Francis Junior Grammar School, the conversation expanded. The students learned how to recognise emotional stress, support friends going through difficult moments and build healthier relationships. The outreach continued at Fazil Omar Senior School, where students were encouraged to speak up and ask questions. Here, the focus shifted to building confidence and emotional intelligence. Through relatable examples, students began to see vulnerability not as weakness, but as strength.
Reaching More Voices, Expanding the Impact
The conversation on day four gained more momentum as the team visited Birrel Avenue Senior High School and Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School. The interactions in both schools centred on topics such as academic pressure, self-esteem and stress management. At Wesley Girls, the warmth and curiosity of the students created an atmosphere where meaningful conversations thrived. It showed that when young people are given the opportunity, they’re ready to talk about their mental health.
The outreach was concluded at Onike Girls Junior High School, where the focus shifted to younger students. Recognising that mental health education should start early, facilitators adapted a suitable approach for their age group, making the sessions more engaging and interactive. The students learned how to understand their emotions and develop healthy habits.
More Than an Outreach—A Movement
In just five days, the Health Intel Trust’s Mental Health Outreach in Collaboration with SAAB, reached over 500 students across six schools. But beyond the numbers, the true impact lies in the openness and the shifts in mindset that occurred in each classroom. Students left with a better understanding of their mental health, practical ways to manage stress and the confidence to speak up and support one another.
The need for mental health education in schools is urgent and ongoing. At Health Intel Trust, we remain committed to amplifying these conversations, empowering young people and building communities where mental well-being is prioritised.
