POM

09/11/2025

Activity 3.2: Positive Coping Session in LRR; Mansakonko Concludes with Joy, Rhythm, and Reflection 🎉🌿
8th – 9th November 2025

Our final session in LRR, held from the 8th to the 9th of November, was filled with movement, joy, stress-release, and connection through dance. Because truly; all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; and we are certainly not dull here! ✨

The session also included a powerful Intergenerational Dialogue, where both youth and elders openly discussed the challenges young people face today, and how stress was understood and managed in the past. Elders shared stories of how their communities used collective support, discipline, faith, family bonds, and cultural practices to navigate stress.

One youth expressed:

“Part of the reason why many young people are turning to drugs is because we lack guidance. We are not taught some of the values our parents were taught.”

An elder responded with firm compassion:

“Even in our time, we also had challenges. But we did not turn to drugs to cope. There is no place for these substances in your bodies. We have our traditions; and within them, we have better ways to heal. The youth must be willing to learn, and we elders must be willing to guide.”

His words served as a grounding reminder that culture is not just heritage; it is medicine. ❤️✨

The session concluded with traditional dance, reinforcing unity, joy, and cultural pride; a reminder that movement and rhythm have always been part of community healing and togetherness.

More sessions loading… stay tuned! 🎶💚

📸 Photo Credit: SHOTZ (Sawaneh)
🎤 Event Management: State of Mic
📍 Location: Mansakonko Area Council Hall, LRR

29/10/2025

Activity 3.2: Positive Coping Session at GTU – Brikama Concludes with Joy, Rhythm, and Reflection 🎉🌿

Our last session was all about movement, joy, stress release, and connection through dance. Because truly, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; and we are definitely not dull here! ✨

These moments of fun aren't just entertainment; they’re healing, grounding, and a reminder that wellness also lives in laughter, rhythm, and shared energy. 🫶🏽

The session concluded with a powerful cultural moment.
An elderly woman took the microphone 🎤 and shared how participating in the traditional dance brought back memories of her childhood — when dance was used to celebrate joy and relieve stress in the community.

She emphasized:
Whenever the drums start, everyone becomes one. You cannot tell who belongs to which tribe; it brings unity and peace. Do not throw away our cultures

Her words reminded us of the healing power embedded in our culture, identity, and togetherness. ❤️✨

More sessions loading… stay tuned! 🎶💚

📸 Photo Credit: SHOTZ (Sawaneh)
🎤 Event Management: State of Mic

27/10/2025

Activity 3.2: The Positive Coping Session kick-starts today at the Gambia Teachers Union – Brikama! 🎉

Supported by the People of Japan 🇯🇵 through UNDP, Peace of Mind is honored to facilitate this insightful and interactive session; featuring a short presentation on Positive Coping Strategies, an intergenerational dialogue exploring “Then vs Now” (What were the main stressors then, and how did people cope? What are today’s stressors, and what coping mechanisms are we using?), followed by drumming and dancing 🥁💃; reflecting on how cultural practices can serve as a source of healing for many. 🌿✨

📸 Photo Credit: SHOTZ (Sawaneh)
🎤 Event Management: State of Mic

25/10/2025

“If you feel disrespected in a relationship, speak up, but speak to heal, not to hurt.”

24/10/2025

🌟 Day 3 & Closing Update! 🌟

Day 3 marked the successful completion of the first step-down training facilitated by our new MHPSS Master Trainers under our supervision 🎉

All participants in this training were volunteers and staff of the Gambia Red Cross Society, who expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the new facilitators. Many were impressed by how confident and well-prepared the trainers were, even within such a tight schedule. 👏🏽💪🏽

Participants also highlighted the need for continued trainings and emphasized the importance of starting group psychosocial support sessions for volunteers — many of whom face trauma in the line of their humanitarian work. ❤️‍🩹

We couldn’t be prouder of our Master Trainers for their dedication, professionalism, and passion in promoting mental health and psychosocial support in The Gambia. 🌍✨

22/10/2025

Day 2 Update! 🌟

Day 2 of the step-down training went even better! Participants are becoming more engaged through role plays and group work, actively applying what they’ve learned. Our master trainers, under close supervision, are demonstrating excellent facilitation skills and growing confidence in leading the sessions. 👏🏽💪🏽

Stay tuned for more updates on our Master Trainers and other exciting activities ahead! 🌱✨

21/10/2025

Day 1 of the Step-Down Training led by the new Master Trainers under our supervision went smoothly 👏🏽. Participants showed great enthusiasm and actively engaged in all sessions.

The new trainers demonstrated strong facilitation skills, confidence, and teamwork throughout the day 💪🏽.

We also observed encouraging interactions and meaningful discussions among participants 🤝; setting a positive tone for the rest of the training ahead 🌟.

20/10/2025

🌟 Training Update! 🌟

We’re excited to share that the new cohort of MHPSS Master Trainers has today successfully completed their intensive 9-day training! 🎉💪

Starting tomorrow, 21st October 2025, they will begin their first 3-day step-down trainings; the first of three rounds. Two sessions will take place in the Greater Banjul Area, while one session will run simultaneously in LRR and URR. These trainings will allow the new master trainers to cascade their knowledge to other service providers, strengthening MHPSS capacity across the country. 🧠💚

This initiative, organised by GIZ in partnership with the Gambia Red Cross Society and facilitated by Peace of Mind, aims to build a strong network of trainers championing mental health and psychosocial support in The Gambia. 🌍✨

17/10/2025

🧠 Mental health is not a privilege; it is a human right.
It must be respected, protected, and fulfilled by everyone, including the State through the relevant line ministry.

17/10/2025

17/10/2025

💚 Closing of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 💚

Today marked the grand closing of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week; a week filled with impactful activities dedicated to promoting mental wellness and strengthening community awareness across The Gambia.

The day began with a Walk for Health, symbolizing unity, movement, and the collective journey toward better mental well-being.

This was followed by an uplifting Yoga for Mental Wellness session, co-facilitated by Silvia Bonzani, an expert in Ashtanga Yoga and breathing techniques currently volunteering with POM, and another yoga tutor.

To conclude the day, participants engaged in a peaceful meditation session led by Silvia Lorenzi, Founder and Executive Director of Peace of Mind (POM); helping everyone connect mind, body, and spirit in calm reflection.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all facilitators, partners, and participants who joined hands to make this year’s celebration of World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Week a success.

Let’s continue to prioritize our mental well-being — every day, everywhere. 🌿

17/10/2025

🌿 Meet Silvia Bonzani! 🌿

We are delighted to welcome Silvia Bonzani, an expert in the Ashtanga Yoga method and breathing techniques, who is currently in The Gambia volunteering with Peace of Mind (POM).

Silvia arrived at a very special moment in the history of mental health in The Gambia; during the commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2025 and the Mental Health Awareness Week. She had the opportunity to witness and participate in some of the impactful activities organized by the National Mental Health Task Force as part of this year’s celebration.

✨ Today, marking the closing of our Mental Health Awareness Week, Silvia joined us and co-facilitated a Yoga for Mental Well-being session alongside another yoga tutor. Her presence and contribution added great value to our collective efforts in promoting mental wellness through mindfulness and physical balance.

🙏🏽 We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Silvia for dedicating part of her holiday to support mental health advocacy and wellness in The Gambia.

💚 We encourage other experts and wellness enthusiasts to follow her inspiring example; using their skills and time to positively impact the lives and well-being of others.