PHOTO: BUBAH
The Sunshine Series and Idimma Health Initiative have released a new documentary that highlights five years of transformative work in Nigeria’s mental health space. This documentary, sponsored by Echoing Green and Little Big Fund, explores the organisations’ grassroots efforts to improve mental health access, reduce stigma, and build systems of community-based care in underserved areas.

At the forefront of this movement is Aisha Bubah, a psychologist and social entrepreneur who leads both organisations as Executive Director. Her leadership has driven the development of bold, community-rooted programs that center cultural relevance, foster collaboration, and deliver lasting impact.

This documentary reflects on key milestones achieved through community-led interventions, innovative programming, and strategic collaborations focused on underserved populations. Themed: Mind Matters: Five Years of Advancing Change, this documentary shares stories from the field and documents the real-life impact of programs such as the launch of the largest mental health and suicide prevention helpline in Africa on Nigeria’s emergency number 112, supported by the Federal government, training of community Lay counsellors, Psychological First Aid Training for Police officers, launching two seasons of the Strong Voices Radio drama on mental health, Post Partum Depression project and youth-centered initiatives (NYSC programme).

This documentary features the voices of funders, partners, counselors, and programme beneficiaries who have walked alongside the organisations in reshaping mental health care.

In the words of the Executive Director of The Sunshine Series, Aisha Bubah, “It is a new dawn for mental healthcare globally and we are placing Nigeria on the map as one of those countries that ensured access to this fundamental human right for all, regardless their socioeconomic status. No one will be left behind”.

Looking ahead, both organisations are preparing to launch ‘Mind WellNest’, a culturally relevant, AI-powered mental health platform designed for Africans and people of African descent. Built with a trauma-informed lens, Mind WellNest aims to offer accessible, context-sensitive mental health support through technology.