More Than Treatment: Peer Support, Livelihood and Recovery in Rwanda

A screening of a short filmed followed by a panel discussion about what we can learn from community-led approaches to mental health, recovery and inclusion

What helps people recover from mental distress and build fulfilling lives? Treatment can play an important role, but recovery is also shaped by friendship, belonging, meaningful work, economic opportunity, and the attitudes of those around us.

Join us for a screening of a short film exploring the work of OPROMAMER, a peer-led mental health organisation in Rwanda. Through peer support, mutual aid, farming and small business initiatives, access to healthcare, and efforts to challenge stigma, OPROMAMER supports people to rebuild confidence, connection, dignity and valued roles within their communities.

The film highlights a model of recovery that extends beyond clinical services, showing how communities can create the conditions for people to thrive.

Following the screening, a panel discussion will explore what we can learn from community-led approaches to mental health, recovery and inclusion. Together we'll reflect on the importance of social connection, belonging, reducing stigma and inequality, and creating communities where everyone can participate and contribute.

This event is lead by Dr Faith Martin and their research with community members and the OPROMAMER team. 

Everyone is welcome

This event will be of particular interest to people with lived experience of mental health challenges, mental health and wellbeing practitioners, community and voluntary sector organisations, and anyone interested in mental health and public health, recovery, social connection, inclusion and community-led approaches to wellbeing.