Reasons that call for the celebration of Weinglo Family International (WFI) as an organization on our second anniversary are marks of growth, creativity and of success as a foundation by dint of handwork and perseverance of the team working as a compact unit both proactively and reactively.
Our mission which is to prevent suicidal tendencies in individuals was landmarked by embarking on sensitization and training programme ushered us into our maiden campaign talk on dubbed “Suicide is not an option”.
The very first program which was held on the 27th April,2018, heavily attended by students of UPSA with resource persons from all the key sections in society.
Upon requests, the ‘suicide is not an option’ talk went to some second cycle institutions, prominent amongst them are Achimota Senior High School and West Africa Senior High School etc. WFI has also responded to various requests from religious bodies (churches) to educate and create awareness on suicide.
Our relevance has been felt on various fronts when it comes to Suicide Prevention, Societal Education on Mental Health, and exposure to Suicide Ideation Risk Factors.
Our achievements have been many considering the short time that we have been in existence. Key to these achievements yet to be enumerated is the evolving of the organisation from Weinglo Women Outreach to Weinglo Family International with a robust team and widened girth in the fight against suicide.
Major highlights of our achievements are;
• Creation of a helpline which links victims of suicide ideation to professional support groups. As a result of this singular act people who called or texted were given professional counselling with very positive outcomes (Change of Minds and giving of Hope).
• Creation of Professional and Technical advisory groups who undertake counselling and educational tours.
• Creation of Volunteers in 2nd cycle, tertiary and working institutions whose main aim is to be the eye in their respective areas.
• Affiliation with international bodies (Hope Squad, Utah and Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation OSP) who are well advanced in suicide awareness creation and the compacting of suicide ideation.
• Affiliation to national Mental Health Institutions (Pantang Hospital) and University of Ghana phycology Department.
• Global outreach and engagement on topical and relevant issues in society on mental health and suicide prevention.
• WFI has continued to maintain its relevance even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic by engaging both Ghanaian and external resource personalities on how to prevent and deal with the various risk factors on social media platforms dubbed Live chat with Weinglo. The program that has received extensive positive feedback.
• WFI has adopted as part of its corporate social responsibility aimed at ameliorating some societal challenges engaged in giving back to the society eg. street feeding of the two major cities that is Accra and Kumasi during the yuletide.
The challenges in ensuring our vision come into being have been many paramount amongst them being;
• Financial Supports and partnerships
• societal acceptance
• cooperation from Institutions, bodies and fraternities
WFI is convinced of making more impact as spelt out in our vision, we are looking into the future by;
• consolidating the gains that we have made and improve upon them in other to ensure a society free of suicide ideation and ultimate reduction of needless deaths` through suicide.
• To expand and go into other institution, churches, cooperate bodies and ministries.
• To be part of global outreach that prevent suicide
• To have Hope Squad in all the Senior High in Ghana.
Finally, the organisation would like to give profound thanks to personalities like Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo Addo the First lady of Ghana, Hajia Ramatu Aliu Mahama former Second lady of Ghana , Dr. Kwadwo Bempah, Oheneyere Gifty Anti CEO GDA Media, Greg Hudnall CEO Hope Squad, Tony Coder, Janet Abobigu CEO Unijay, Jerry Kwabena Andoh Board Chairman WFI, Fredrick Amponsah- Doku Deputy Managing Director CMC, Debora Birago Darkwa WFI Programme Co-ordinator, GTV, Tv3, GHONE, UTV, ADOM TV and all who have supported us in numerous ways.
Article written by Gloria Boatemaa Andoh, Founder/CEO of WFI