Mental Health Partners, a network of medical professionals advocating for mental wellness, has urged Malawians to seek support when facing life’s challenges, particularly amid rising concerns about mental health and suicide.

The call was made on Friday during a visit to Kachere Women’s Prison in Lilongwe as part of activities marking World Mental Health Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues. The outreach focused on empowering inmates to build emotional resilience and maintain psychological well-being, even in difficult circumstances.

"Many people take their own lives believing it is the only solution to their problems," said Khumbo Nyengere, President of Mental Health Partners. “We are here to remind everyone -including those behind bars- that support is available, and mental wellness matters for all.”

Held under the theme “We Can Still Find Joy Even in the Midst of Pain,” the event featured motivational talks, wellness discussions, and the donation of essential supplies to the prison.

Inspector Chikondi Minofu, Public Relations Officer for the correctional facility, praised the initiative, saying the visit brought much-needed encouragement to the inmates and highlighted the often-overlooked issue of mental health behind bars.

“We appreciate the group for recognizing that prisoners, too, deserve mental health care and emotional support. This visit will go a long way in uplifting their spirits,” Minofu said.

Kachere Women’s Prison currently houses 115 inmates, significantly above its recommended capacity of 80, creating conditions that can intensify psychological stress and emotional strain among the incarcerated women.

Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Magret Maongola expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit and the message of hope shared by the team.

“Sometimes we feel forgotten, but today we’ve been reminded that we still matter,” she said.

The Mental Health Partners donated a range of items including sanitary pads, soap, a 50kg bag of sugar, soya pieces, second-hand clothes, exercise books, and pens -all valued at K223,500.