A university buzzing with energy, where students not only strive for academic excellence but also actively engage in caring for the well-being of their peers and the planet. It may sound like a utopian dream, but at Strathmore university, it’s a captivating reality. Welcome to the Mental Health Club, a club that fosters mental health awareness with the principles of sustainability. Allow me to educate you on the connection between mental health and sustainability and how this club has become a catalyst for positive change.

The theme of this year is “Caring for our common home; building a sustainable future.” It enfolds the essence of our responsibility to nurture the people around us and protect the planet we call home. How often do we truly embody this theme in our daily lives? This introspective question sets the stage for understanding the significance of sustainability, which, in essence, involves preserving the well-being of current and future generations.

Mental health awareness and sustainability find common ground. You might find it amusing when you first hear that a university has a club entirely dedicated to caring about people’s well-being. It’s truly fascinating, isn’t it?

Now this is how these two relate. Mental health and sustainability. The connection becomes apparent when we examine the club’s initiatives and their impact. One aspect is raising awareness. Through various channels, the Mental Health Club ensures that the student body, alumni, and wider community are educated about mental health issues and sustainability. By joining forces with the university’s medical center, the club has transformed therapy sessions into more inviting and comfortable spaces, repurposing a mentoring office, where therapy sessions feel relaxing. This collaborative effort demonstrates that mental health isn’t solely confined to medical facilities but can permeate every aspect of our lives.

The Mental Health Club’s commitment to sustainability is showcased through psychoeducational sessions, cultivating healthy interactions, and developing a sustainable peer counseling. By minimizing the reliance on medical centers, the club empowers students to take charge of their mental well-being within their community. The repurposed mentoring offices, frequented by the school psychologists like  Florence Ochanda, Oscar Odhiambo, Stacy Ng’ethe and Peter Mwangi, exemplify the club’s dedication to providing safe spaces for support and growth.

In addition, the club  actively contributes to sustainability by adopting online practices to minimize paperwork and reusing materials like affirmation notes and stickers from previous years. Last year, the club  honored its roots by planting a tree around the campus, a fitting tribute to one of its founders. By embracing these sustainable practices, the club showcases how small changes can make a significant impact on the environment.

Of course, no journey is without its challenges. One obstacle the club faces is the struggle to attract a larger audience, especially while hosting events. However, the university has been instrumental in assisting the club by implementing changes such as using eco-friendly takeaway containers and reducing the reliance on printed materials, favoring emails instead.

Amidst the challenges, it has achieved remarkable success stories. The launch of their captivating podcast, How You Doin’ Podcast, has captivated the minds of many listeners, spreading awareness and igniting conversations on mental health and sustainability.

It  has also established meaningful partnerships and provided valuable peer counseling services, earning the trust and gratitude of individuals seeking support. Their impact has even transcended the university walls, inspiring alumni to create mental health organizations and pursue psychology-related careers.

Through interactions with the wider community, the Mental Health Club has become very meaningful to society.

This article was written by Rachael Wangui, a communications student.