At first, it started as a film project.

The goal? To tell an honest story through a short film titled “Impostor,” shedding light on the inner lives of people silently suffering. But as the crew worked on the script and scenes, something remarkable happened. Mental health professionals and medical students were invited to give webinars to the crew to help shape the film’s message. Soon, the webinars began attracting more than just filmmakers but friends, peers, and strangers started showing up.

What was meant to inform a film quickly became the foundation of a movement in mid 2023.

Word spread. The webinars evolved into regular community meetings. People; young and old, from cities and rural areas were seeking safe spaces to talk, to ask questions, to learn, and most importantly, to feel heard.

By the time the first year closed, MHU had transformed from a creative campaign into a grassroots mental health initiative, having run 30+ public sessions, launching partnerships, training volunteers, and creating digital content all focused on education, awareness, and human dignity.

Today, MHU is a growing youth-powered force helping rewrite Africa’s mental health story. We believe in the power of storytelling, safe spaces, and informed communities to save lives.