Upcoming Event
"Supporting Parents of Children with Special Needs: Challenges, Solutions & Hope"
Dear Parents of kids with special needs, we see you. We care. We understand. We are shining a light on your journey & talking about ways to support you physically, emotionally, mentally & financially.
Join us. Set reminder
Key participants included: Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Nigeria Association of the Deaf & Albinism Society of Nigeria, FAME Foundation and gender-focused disability organisations, Mental health advocates and youth activists
Mother to Mother Initiative (MTMI) at Queen of The Holy Rosary Church, 10 Sept 2025 - Addressing Key Aspects of Maternal Mental Health and Its Impact on ECD, focusing on postpartum depression (recognition, symptoms, and management); childcare-related stress and its effects on maternal well-being; emotional changes during and after pregnancy; practical self-care strategies for expectant and new mothers; and the vital role of community support systems.
We successfully concluded our Art Therapy Bootcamp for children aged 6-12 on April 26, 2025, which introduced participants to art therapy, fostering emotional resilience and creativity. The bootcamp provided a safe space for kids to manage stress, build confidence, and spark imagination.
The 22 November first ever Men’s Safe Space Forum was never meant to be a one-off. It was the spark. It proved that when men feel safe, they will talk – and when men talk, lives are saved, marriages are restored, children are protected, and entire communities become healthier. The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has shown the way. Now Enugu’s men are walking it – together.
Ozalla Health Centre, Sept 23, 2025 - In an impactful combined outreach, we brought together our Mother to Mother Initiative (MTMI) and our Support for Caregivers Initiative (SCGI) to address interconnected aspects of maternal and caregiver mental health. We remain committed to advancing mental health advocacy, building a resilient healthcare workforce, and fostering healthier communities in Enugu and beyond.
Benefits to their Schools: Foster collaborative, respectful classrooms through stronger EQ and boundary-setting Reduce bullying and disruptive behaviors via better emotional regulation and conflict resolution. Build mutual respect and stronger teacher-student relationships. Boost focus, resilience, and academic performance. Reinforce existing SEL programs with proven, aligned practices.
Benefits to their Homes - Stronger Family Bonds: Improved communication, empathy, and boundary-setting skills strengthened family relationships. - Reduced Parental Stress: Enhanced emotional regulation and self-compassion in children alleviated parenting challenges. - Positive Role Modeling: Participants modeled positive behaviors, influencing siblings and peers. - Better Emotional Support: Lessons on emotional validation and appropriate emotional expression enabled children to articulate emotions and provide mutual support.
In continuation of our one-year sustained mental health and empowerment intervention at the Special Education Centre, Ogbete, Enugu (a school for students with hearing and speech impairments), the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation returned on 28 November 2025, to conduct a deeply moving Art Therapy outreach. This session, themed “Expressing Me Without Words,” was deliberately limited to 15 carefully selected students to allow for maximum individual attention and therapeutic impact. Using vibrant paints, canvas boards, brushes, and other art materials, each participant created personal artwork that reflected their emotions, dreams, and inner world. At the end of the session, every student proudly took their own painting home—a tangible reminder of their creativity and worth.
The mental health outreach programs on September 23 and 26, 2025, at Ozalla Health Centre and Model Health Care Centre marked a significant step in empowering caregivers under the SCGI. By addressing critical challenges like compassion fatigue, stress, and moral distress, the sessions equipped participants with practical tools, fostered a supportive community, and reduced mental health stigma. The use of GAD-7 assessments, ongoing counseling, and peer support networks ensured sustained impact. Positive feedback highlighted the sessions’ success in enhancing self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience, enabling caregivers to improve their wellbeing and patient care quality. CALMHAF remains committed to advancing mental health advocacy, building a resilient healthcare workforce, and fostering healthier communities in Enugu and beyond.
The highlight was the historic signing of a national commitment form by government, disability leaders, and civil society to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 and drive inclusive policies nationwide. Inclusion is not a gesture—it’s an obligation. From awareness to sustained action. No one left behind.
On 29 October 2024, Hon. Barr. Ajuluchukwu Eze and Building Boys Academy hosted the Ngwo Boys Summit at Coal City Town Hall, Ekeani Market, Ngwo, Enugu. The event brought together 200 boys aged 11–19 for an interactive session on substance abuse, addiction, and mental health facilitated by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. Open Q&A and free anxiety/depression screenings (using validated tools) encouraged honest dialogue. Key findings: Substance abuse was mainly driven by low self-esteem from parental abuse and harsh words, bullying, and toxic environments—underscoring the urgent need for early intervention, stronger family support, and community-wide mental health initiatives.
On December 3, 2025, we joined the global observance of IDPD under the UN theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” at a landmark event hosted by the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation in Abuja. Represented by our Co-Founder, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, we connected with government officials, disability rights leaders, and NGOs united for a more inclusive Nigeria.
The GlowPulse EQ Bootcamp delivered significant benefits across multiple domains, reinforcing CALMHAF’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges and fostering youth development. The impact is categorized as follows: 1. Benefits to the Child - Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation: Play therapy, mindfulness exercises, and art expression enabled participants to identify and manage emotions, reducing impulsivity and fostering emotional clarity. Lessons on emotional validation and appropriate emotional expression further enhanced self-awareness and self-compassion, addressing issues like low self-esteem and negative self-talk. - Social and Communication Skills: Role-playing and group activities improved interpersonal skills, enabling stronger relationships with peers and adults. - Conflict Resolution and Boundaries: Practical exercises and a dedicated session on boundaries equipped children to resolve disputes constructively and set healthy limits in relationships. - Resilience to Stress: Multi-sport activities and a session on the four types of resilience (physical, mental, emotional, and social) provided tools to channel emotions and build coping mechanisms. - Academic Performance: Improved focus and emotional stability enhanced school engagement. - Leadership Development: Activities like chess, scrabble, and team challenges nurtured decision-making and leadership skills. - Reduced Screen Addiction: Lessons on prioritizing human connection over screen time encouraged healthier technology use.
The room became sacred ground. No lectures, no shaming, no “man-up” clichés. Just men listening to men. Fathers admitted the terror of not being able to pay school fees. Husbands confessed years of silence that had turned into resentment at home. Men spoke of erectile difficulties and the secret fear that they were “no longer men.” Others opened up about things they had never shared, not even with their wives. As each story was met with nods of recognition instead of judgment, something visible shifted. Shoulders dropped. Eyes softened. Laughter – the relieved kind – broke out when men realised their deepest shame was shared collectively. Several participants spoke of feeling lighter while others said they finally felt hope.
On Friday, December 12, 2025, a significant step toward advancing holistic healthcare in Nigeria was taken when the UNTH Foundation team, led by its dedicated CEO, Professor Theresa Nwagha, paid a courtesy visit to the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation at their office in Independence Layout, Enugu.
Art therapy can significantly benefit children’s mental health, especially in a context like Enugu, Nigeria, where your organization operates. It provides a non-verbal way for kids to express emotions, which is crucial for those who struggle with verbal communication, like non-speaking youth or those with trauma
In a groundbreaking move toward comprehensive and inclusive healthcare in Nigeria, the UNTH Foundation and the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, December 17, 2025.
2025 In Review
Imagine a young mother in Enugu, overwhelmed by postpartum stress, finding solace in a safe space. Or a child with disabilities expressing emotions through art for the first time. These are the stories behind our numbers—real lives transformed in 2025.
MEET OUR DYNAMIC TEAM
Our passionate team at the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation comprises dedicated mental health advocates, certified therapists, and community champions who collaborate to deliver transformative programs, from journaling workshops and stress management crash courses to maternal wellbeing outreaches, empowering individuals worldwide to build resilience and thrive.
Introducing The Art of Journaling
“From ‘I’m lost’ to ‘I’m unstoppable’ in just 30 days”
Our journaling book, The Art of Journaling: My 30-Day Journey—a simple, work-friendly guide for non-writers—is still transforming lives.
What’s stopping you from experiencing this kind of breakthrough?
We’re thrilled to announce that a generous donor has stepped forward to support our mission!
Soon, a limited number of free copies will be given away.
Are you feeling led to donate and help someone begin their mental health journey through the power of journaling? A copy costs just N5,000.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Or via Bank Transfer: Moniepoint: 4001131777 - COPE & LIVE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FOUNDATION
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Over 7 million Nigerians suffer from Depression - WHO. In addition to seeking professional help, lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in coping with depression. Regular physical activity, such as walking or running can boost mood-improving endorphins and reduce symptoms. Maintaining a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep are equally important for mental health.
Find out more in the ebook.
What people are saying
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VERY WELL DONE
This is a timely initiative. Mental health awareness is practically non existent in our society or in its early stages and many have lost their minds and lives as a result.
Widows, bereaved family members, people who lost jobs or business, even students who catch a downward wind in their academics; all of these need therapy to be able to come out of the bottomless hole of despair and hopelessness.
This an opportunity to practice the full gospel of Jesus Christ in a practical way. I pray for you and Uzo, that the Lord continues to shine his light on your path and give you wisdom, territories and fulfillment as you execute this project in Jesus name❤️.
-Mrs Lota
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AT THE RIGHT TIME
What a nice initiative 👍. As far as I'm concerned "Cope and Live " came at a time when it's needed most👌 because the rate at which people ignore their mental health is alarming.
In the security services for instance, there is the occasional unleashing of anger which an officer has carried from his house or somewhere else on to the citizens who he's trained to protect. It seems many of us are ignorant of the techniques on how to treasure our mental health and manage our emotions at work or at home hence the need for you to extend your advocacy and reach to the men and women of Nigeria's various security services. My humble suggestion please 🙏.
-Sadam
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THANK YOU
Thank you so much for showing up everyday for the sake of other people's well-being ma. You are a vessel of honor unto womanhood and humanity in general. I hope that someday in my future, I'd be able to encourage someone out there to keep living one day at a time just like you're doing.
Only GOD can reward you for this ma. I am greatly inspired by you. GOD bless you.
-Mimi
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I COMMEND YOU
Good morning. Knowing too well that health is wealth, and our brothers and children mental health status is important to the society, I must commend you and pray God Almighty to give all of us the needed wisdom to inform people within our very locality.
Thanks.
-Inspector T.G.
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FIRST TIME
I love what you do, honestly, cos this is my first time seeing someone in Nigeria with such a strong Vision and mission in this aspect of Mental health issues, rather than only just organizing seminars once in a while which many organizations do.
-Henry
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HAPPY
Happy to hear this, glad I’ve got someone like u who I can vent once in a while with who won't judge or mock me. Many ppl bottle up depression bcos of such things.
-Mrs Okafor
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HONESTLY
Honestly my childhood almost destroyed me. I don't know how I was able to change a part of myself but funny I still have that fear I have always had from day one.
-Munachi
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MY PRAYER
Wonderful!...Am proud of u both. May God continue to sustain and enrich all yr efforts 🙏🏽
-Ifeanyi