Community-Focused Mental Health Support Program
Many people in the community are silently suffering—not because they lack strength, but because they lack access to the tools and information that could help them heal.
With only five psychiatrists serving the entire western region of Kenya, and mental health services available in just 13% of local health facilities, the system is stretched beyond capacity. Youth unemployment, school dropouts, substance abuse, and gender-based violence are all rising—yet stigma keeps people from speaking up.
That’s where we come in.
Through our partnership with local leaders in Nyalunya, we’re breaking the silence around mental health. Together, we’re reducing stigma, raising awareness, and equipping everyday people with practical tools to support one another. From community health workers to teachers and youth leaders, this grassroots approach ensures care reaches those who need it most—right where they are.
This collaborative initiative—led by 4C Mental Health, St. Vicious Faith-Based Medical Clinic, and Save Life Community Development Initiative (SLCDI)—is bringing emotional resilience, coping strategies, and compassionate support into homes, clinics, and classrooms across Kisumu County.
By teaching mental health as a shared skill, not a specialist service, we’re helping build a new kind of support system: one that grows from within the community itself.
About Our Local Partner
St. Vicious Faith-Based Medical Clinic is more than a health center—it's a community anchor. Located in the heart of Nyalunya, Kisumu County, the clinic provides essential medical care along with mental health and emotional support for those experiencing deep, often invisible struggles.
From domestic violence and poverty to emotional breakdowns caused by daily hardship, the clinic responds with compassion and practical help. Their team also offers gender-based violence counseling and engages youth—especially girls—through sports as a safe and empowering entry point for conversations around life challenges.
Program Goals
Build emotional resilience across the Nyalunya community.
Upskill trusted professionals and community leaders in basic mental health support.
Reduce stigma and create space for ongoing dialogue around mental wellness.
Support sustainable, locally-led solutions to psychological distress.
Together, 4C’s digital learning platform, St. Vicious Faith-Based Medical Clinic’s commitment to health and well-being, and Save Life Community Development Initiative (SLCDI)’s deep community ties make this a transformative model to reduce stigma, build local capacity, and foster an enduring culture of mental health support from within the community.
“When we give communities the tools to understand and support mental health, we don’t just treat problems—we unlock potential. This work is about reclaiming dignity, building resilience, and creating a future where healing is possible for everyone, no matter where they live.”
— Lara Gregorio, LCSW, Founder and CEO, 4C Mental Health