Stand Out 4 Mental Health

"Stand Out 4 Mental Health" is a program focused on promoting mental wellness among children and youth through various creative and physical outlets. It utilizes dance, art, sports, and fashion as tools to help young individuals achieve better mental health. By engaging in these activities, children and youth can express themselves, build self-confidence, and develop a sense of belonging, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being. This holistic approach recognizes the importance of both physical and emotional health in the development of young individuals.

With rampant cases of suicide and emotion dysregulation among children and youth, there is need for self awareness and self care to help boost emotional regulation. Creativity is a good outlet to let out their emotions while at the same time learning more on self-care. This project seeks to boost emotional awareness in children between the ages of 8-14 years and youth between 18-35, here in Kenya.

This initiative is important as it brings together various stakeholders in mental health. As a trained teacher, I understand that to raise a holistic all round learner school and home need to be safe spaces where the children can just be themselves and have rte assurance that they are heard. It is for this reason that we have a support group to offer psychosocial support to all cadres of people.

Actions to achieve goals:

To achieve goals in mental wellness through dance, art, sports, and fashion, consider implementing the following actions:

1. Program Development: Create structured programs and workshops in each of these areas, tailored to different age groups and skill levels. These programs should emphasize the positive impact of these activities on mental health. For instance art therapy, play therapy and dance therapy.

2. Professional Guidance: Employ qualified instructors, coaches, artists, and fashion experts to provide guidance and support to the participants. Their expertise can help individuals develop their skills and boost their confidence.

3. Safe and Inclusive Environment: Ensure that the physical and emotional environment is safe, inclusive, and supportive, where participants feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment.

4. Mental Health Advocacy: Integrate mental health education into the activities. Teach participants about the relationship between these activities and mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of self-care and emotional well-being.

5. Regular Assessment: Continuously evaluate participants' progress, both in terms of their skills in the chosen activity and their mental health. Collect feedback and make adjustments to the programs as needed.

6. Community Engagement: Encourage family involvement and community support to create a network of understanding and encouragement. Organize events and showcases to involve the wider community.

7. Peer Support: Foster a sense of community and peer support among participants. Encourage them to share their experiences and provide a platform for them to connect and bond.

8. Access to Resources: Ensure that participants have access to necessary resources, such as art supplies, sports equipment, or fashion materials, regardless of their socio-economic background. This calls for thorough resource mobilization skills.

9. Promotion and Outreach: Raise awareness about the program through marketing and outreach efforts, targeting schools, community centers, and social media to reach a wider audience.

10. Collaborations: Partner with mental health organizations, local schools, and community groups to expand the reach and impact of the program.

11. Measuring Impact: Regularly measure and document the positive changes in participants' mental wellness and use this data to showcase the program's success and attract potential supporters.

12. Sustainability: Develop a sustainable funding model to ensure the long-term viability of the program, which may include a mix of grants, donations, and participant fees.

By taking these actions, the "Stand Out 4 Mental Health" program can effectively use dance, art, sports, and fashion to promote mental wellness among children and youth, creating a nurturing and empowering environment for their growth and development.