Friendship Clubs for Youth Meets Mental Health Care: A FAM Initiative Film, Nigeria
Mar 18, 2026
Four grassroots, community-led mental health organisations
A team of 25 creatives across five countries unite
One story.
Countless ways to care.
What Makes You Proud: How Communities Care for Mental Health is a globally collaborative film sharing the stories of four grassroots, community-led organisations across Nigeria, Palestine, Colombia, and Vietnam.
This blog series shines a spotlight on each of the community-based mental health initiatives (CBMHIs) featured in the film What Makes You Proud: How Communities Care for Mental Health.
While the film brings their stories together across continents, this series takes a closer look, highlighting each organisation’s work, their journey, their hopes for the film, and the creative teams who helped bring their stories to life.
Watch the trailer of the film here.
Presenting: Friends Advocacy for Mental Health Initiative, Nigeria (FAM Initiative)
Our journey was born from witnessing real transformation during one-on-one advocacy. We saw that stigma and misinformation weren’t just policy gaps but deeply rooted community issues. We wanted to change that by making them co-owners of the solution, not just beneficiaries, but true partners in rewriting their community story.”
Founder, Jecinta Egbim
FAM Initiative's Aspirations for the Film:
Founder Jecinta believes that every small act of empathy counts.
“My hope is that this Ember Spotlight amplifies how community-centred advocacy can move beyond policies into real, lived change. I want the world to see that our members, despite challenges, choose growth, compassion, and resilience every day. With the right support and funding, our current impact can expand to reach even more young people across Nigeria and beyond.”
Watch their film here
In Kaduna State, Nigeria, the Friends Advocacy for Mental Health Initiative (FAM Initiative) leads the Adolescents Safe Haven Club (ASH Club)- a growing psychosocial support community dedicated to empowering adolescents and young people to build lasting mental resilience. Read more about their work here
Through art therapy, craftsmanship, sports, scholarships, and mentorship, ASH Club creates safe, inclusive spaces where adolescents receive guidance, mentorship, and early intervention for mental health challenges.
Between May and September 2025, the community has expanded significantly, now reaching over 6,000 adolescents across twelve communities and establishing active clubs in 20 schools and 6 Primary Health Care Centres. The initiative also supports nearly 200 young people and adults through its sister program, the Adolescents and Adults Safe Haven Club, which extends psychosocial care and family-based support.
With a holistic approach that blends psychosocial care, creative expression, and opportunity, the Safe Haven Community continues to shape a generation of resilient, empathetic, and mentally healthy young Nigerians ready to thrive in life and leadership.
You can follow their work on Instagram and LinkedIn.
The Filming Team Behind the Story
The Nigeria segment was filmed by Naila Media and her team.
What struck us most was seeing mental health being prioritised, especially among teenagers, a demographic where such conversations are often absent.
Many moments were powerful, but what stood out most was witnessing the compassion, patience, and innovation with which the FAMHI team engages young people. Equally inspiring was the open-mindedness of parents, teachers, and decision-makers who were willing to listen, learn, and support this cause. That level of collective engagement around mental health left a lasting impression on us.”
Click to watch the behind-the-scenes of the filming
‘What Makes You Proud’ film features three other CBMHIs from Vietnam, Palestine, and Colombia. Watch the full film here