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Disability Pride Month 2024

As we celebrate Disability Pride Month 2024 it’s important to recognize the pioneers who paved the way to where we are today. At the forefront stands Judy Heumann, a remarkable advocate whose tireless efforts sparked a movement in disability rights and advocacy. The roots of Disability Pride Month can be traced back to the early … Read more

Grieving is Never Easy, But It’s Often Harder for Young Men  

Catherine Njoroge teaching young men about the stages of grief for Men’s Health Month When we experience loss, the grief can feel overwhelming. For young men, there are additional societal pressures and expectations that make this already difficult emotional process even harder. From a very early age, young men are conditioned to suppress their emotions … Read more

Men’s Mental Health Month

In honor of Men’s Mental Health Month Upili welcomes Kennedy Kimeli to share his perspective. My name is Kennedy Kimeli. I am a social worker by profession, and also a peer counselor, mentor and an advocate, championing for the rights of Children and Youth with Disabilities. In November 2009 while accompanying a high school friend … Read more

June is Men’s Mental Health Month

Men’s Mental Health Month (MMHM) is a separate observance from May’s Mental Health Awareness Month due to the importance of recognizing the unique challenges men face with mental health. MMHM, celebrated annually in June, aims to raise awareness about men’s mental health, encourage open conversations, and promote increased understanding and support.  While mental health issues … Read more

Mental Health Stigma: A Vicious Cycle for Youth with Disabilities

Mental health challenges have long been shrouded in stigma, with these individuals facing discrimination, prejudice, and a lack of understanding from society. This stigma is particularly pronounced for Youth with Disabilities in Kenya. This group not only faces exclusion as a result of physical or intellectual challenges, but also bear the weight of the stigma … Read more

Mental Health Awareness Month: from awareness to ACTION

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of mental health and well-being. At Upili we focus on tapping into the energy of this month (and all those before and after) to make significant strides by moving beyond mere awareness to meaningful action. Our program, Counselors with Disabilities coming into … Read more

Mental Health Awareness Month: a holistic approach

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month we are honored to have Dr. Rose  Kiiru N., (PsyD, MA Psy, BED) of KIZIMA Mental Wellness Foundation Kizima, Kiswahili for ‘holistic’, captures perfectly the organization which focuses on evidence-based solutions and leverages on multi stakeholder partnerships and collaboration to promote mental wellness in a holistic manner.  ——————————- May … Read more

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) serves as an annual reminder to all, most especially those of us doing the daily work, to pause and reflect on how far we have progressed in the past 365 days. At Upili we focus on the fact accessibility, in its multifaceted nature, extends beyond physical accommodations to encompass the … Read more

Mental Health Awareness Month: stress reduction at school & work

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month we are honored to have Catherine Karega, Counsellor, Mental Health Consultant and Coach, as a blog contributor. Catherine, who has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from USIU-Africa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from Moi University, works with both men and women in a variety of … Read more

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (7th May) focuses on the importance of youth mental health and highlights the fact optimal mental health is essential to healthy development. 👉 “We needed you like yesterday.” Understanding the signs and symptoms of youth mental health struggles is crucial as they frequently differ from adult presentations. Warning signs … Read more