By ROGERS KALERO
IN-But Free (IBF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) concerned with the welfare of In-mates in correctional facilities has said it will continue to create partnership with various stakeholders to deal with issues of Mental Heath Matters in Correctional facilities.
IBF Programmes Manager Precious Hazemba said, in 2021, IBF and Ubumi Prisons Initiative embarked on one year project called Mental Health Matters in Correctional Facilities with a focus on screening patients, advocacy, and psychotherapy and in a small way, drug supply.
Ms Hazemba was speaking during the commemoration of World Mental Health at Kamfinsa Correctional Facility in Kitwe under the theme’ Mental Health In an unequal World.
She said the one year IBF and Ubumi Prisons Initiative project called Mental Health Matters in Correctional Facilities was being implemented on the Copperbelt , Central and Lusaka provinces .
“On behalf of IBF management and staff, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for accepting to be part of the IBF Mental Health Commemoration for 2021 . IBF values this collaboration very much as it demonstrates community commitment to the welfare of our In-mates and Staff.
“Beginning January 2021, IBF and Ubumi Prisons Initiative embarked on one year project called Mental Health Matters in Correctional Facilities with a focus on screening patients, advocacy , psychotherapy and in a small way, drug supply,” Ms Hazemba said.
And speaking later, Kamfinsa Correctional Facility Officer Commanding Officer Ivor Musumali said he was grateful to the IBF for the information shared on Mental Health with In-mates in the past few days ahead of the actual commemoration of Mental Health Day.
Mr Musumali said the information shared by IBF at Kamfinsa Correctional Facility has assisted a lot of In-mates in helping them to deal with various Mental Health problems at the institution.
“We are therefore, grateful for the information on Mental Health which has been shared through support from IBF in the past few days with our In-mates here at Kamfinsa Correctional Centre as a lot of them have really been assisted.
I wish to thank the IBF for the unwavering and passionate support they have been providing to our In-Mates here especially in the area of Mental Health ,” Mr Musumali said.
Mr Musumali said Mental Health was a very important aspect of people’s lives which most times was neglected , but the decision by IBF to bring the commemoration at Kamfinsa Correctional Facility was a reminds all of them, the importance of Mental Health .
“It will also motivate us to ensure that , it is always prioritised among our Health Services at Kamfinsa Correctional Centre. The burden of Mental Health we believe is highest in a Prison set up due to the stress which comes with deprivation of certain liberties such as freedom of movement ,” he said.
