Country Focus
Senegal’s landscape analysis highlighted that stigma is a growing concern and a key driver of mental health challenges like depression and substance abuse among Senegalese youth. This stigma can create barriers to seeking support, as young people may fear judgement, shame and discrimination.
As per consulted stakeholders, Senegal’s first national mental health strategy is in development. This presents a key opportunity to strengthen mental health policies by integrating youth-focused prevention strategies and addressing gaps in evidence-based decision-making and stakeholder collaboration.
What we’re funding in Senegal
Proof-of-concept funding:
Proof-of-concept (POC) funding up to $250,000 CAD will be awarded to early-stage projects that can implement, test and refine solutions to country-specific personal, social, and/or environmental factors impacting young people’s mental health and wellbeing in one of the 12 countries.
In Senegal, we’re funding POC ideas to reduce stigma related to mental health. These innovative solutions will address the lack of knowledge about mental health and dispel harmful cultural beliefs in schools and communities, with the goal of having a supportive environment that promotes youth mental health and well-being for young people aged 10-24.
Please note: Being’s Transition-to-Scale funding is not available in Senegal.
Ecosystem catalyst funding:
Ecosystem catalyst (EC) funding between $200,000 CAD and $300,000 CAD will be awarded to organizations that can address priority barriers to scale, such as legislation, evidence, coordination, and mobilize demand to help mental health initiatives succeed and grow in one of 12 priority countries.
In Senegal, we’re funding EC proposals to work closely with key stakeholders, including government bodies, to improve coordination and advocacy for data driven youth mental health strategies and appropriate resourcing to enable a strong focus on prevention and promotion.
Funded Innovations
Digital mental health awareness platform for young people in Senegal
Implementing Organization: Institut de Recherche et d’Enseignement en Psychopathologiques (IREP)
Type: Proof-of-Concept
Location: Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal
Thematic Area(s): Digital
Status: Funded
Match Fit – using football to promote mental health and wellbeing
Implementing Organization: Tackle
Type: Proof-of-Concept
Location: Guédiawaye, Senegal
Thematic Area(s): Arts, Games, Sports
Status: Funded
