Mental health issues affect individuals worldwide; however, marginalised populations in Africa often face additional barriers to accessing care, exacerbating their increased risks of mental health issues. The Taala Foundation, an entity based in Uganda, has been at the forefront of addressing mental health issues in the Gender and Sexual Diverse (GSD) community in Uganda since 2018. The Foundation’s initiatives, including the Fireplace Initiative and emergency mental health services, have successfully treated mental illness through both group and individual therapy interventions. However, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for more sustainable approaches to mental healthcare, the Taala Foundation has taken a proactive step towards improving access to mental healthcare services by training field workers in Psychological First Aid (PFA). The PFA training programme is an evidence-informed approach aimed at reducing mental health symptoms and promoting healthy recovery following traumatic experiences, natural disasters, or personal crises.

Marginalised populations in Africa face a multitude of formidable barriers that severely limit their ability to access mental health care services. These barriers include harsh and unstable political environments that promote violence, stigma, and discrimination against those with mental health issues. Additionally, limited mental health literacy, a shortage of trained professionals, and a lack of access to medication further hinder access to care. Traditional beliefs and stigma against Western medicine approaches to mental health care, language barriers, and a lack of culturally appropriate services are also significant obstacles. Inadequate transportation options, high service costs, and a general lack of awareness about mental health further exacerbate the problem.

For gender and sexual minorities (GSD) in particular, these challenges are even more pronounced. Despite the existence of mental health care services, marginalised populations continue to face significant barriers to accessing care. We must recognise and address these intersecting barriers to promote mental health equity for all individuals, including those who are marginalised.

The Taala Foundation has developed an innovative and effective approach to addressing the multiple barriers that marginalised populations, particularly gender and sexual minority (GSD) communities, face in accessing mental health care services. Their Psychological First Aid (PFA) training programme equips members of GSD communities with the necessary tools to manage stress and provide mental health care services to their communities.

By providing PFA training to individuals within the community, the programme creates a sustainable model for increasing access to mental health care services. This is especially important for GSD populations that may encounter additional barriers to accessing care, such as stigma and discrimination. The success of the Taala Foundation’s programme is evident in the number of participants who have completed the training and are now certified to provide mental health care services to their communities.

The PFA training programme was rigorous, with over 40 participants from all over the country applying, but only 20 were selected. The selection process was carried out over a week and executed by a team of clinical and community psychologists trained to train individuals in PFA. Of the 20 participants selected, 13 completed the training and were certified by the Taala Foundation to provide these services in the North, East, West, and Central regions of the country. The participants were trained to be emotionally supportive, provide practical support, and use good communication skills while taking account of the person’s culture and respecting their safety, dignity, and human rights. These skills are critical for supporting people in distress and promoting their self-care. In addition to PFA, the trainees were also trained in data collection, an introduction to human rights, and the recognition of human rights violations.

The Taala Foundation’s initiative to train field workers in PFA is a step in the right direction towards addressing the mental health needs of the GSD community. The programme’s success is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Taala Foundation and its participants to making mental health services accessible to the GSD community. The Taala Foundation’s efforts will go a long way in promoting the well-being of individuals in need of psychological support, especially those from the GSD community, who often face significant barriers to accessing mental health care.

Mental health care services are critical and should be accessible to everyone regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or social, economic, or political circumstances. The Taala Foundation’s PFA training programme is an excellent example of how organisations can address mental health issues and build resilience in their communities. The Taala Foundation’s programme addresses the issue of accessibility to mental health care in more sustainable ways, which is crucial, especially for GSD individuals who often face systemic and systematic barriers to accessing mental health services.

Going forward, the Taala Foundation will continue to focus on strengthening its programmes and expanding them beyond Uganda. This would ensure that more individuals have access to quality mental health care services, which ultimately promotes the well-being of GSD individuals.