A message from President of Reconnect HDI

A message from our president

I see a vision that one day mentally ill people in Nigeria will have a voice , that stigmatisation of the mentally ill will be frowned upon and that both the public and private sectors will put resources towards supporting  sufferers and families of mentally ill people. I see a future when society will see people addicted to substances as requiring treatment and support rather than punishment.

Our youth are now faced with the menace of drug abuse. They are our future. Should we sleep and watch this cancer eat up our society?  We need strategies focused on prevention.I desire a complete reconnection and reintegration of the mentally ill with the rest of society.I uphold the principles of Equality and access to health services.

My understanding of the needs of the mentally ill and the holistic nature of the treatment required compared to the dearth of resources available in Nigeria for our people has grown an insatiable appetite to support on-going initiatives for a better life for the mentally ill. It will be my joy to wipe the tears off the eyes of those families who live with sufferers of mental illness.

A friend once told me of a brother of his who had become very rich and residing in America. I asked him, how many people his brother has unconditionally cared for. Do we see ourselves as conduits through which resources are channeled to the less privileged? When we say we are very rich could it mean we are holding onto the wealth of some others?

The Good Samaritan did the best he could to “care for someone else” People with religious positions walked by but did not care. Do we care? Some religious communities of today lack selfless carers. Do we only care for relatives, friends and those that will sing our praises? Do we understand why it is important to support NGOs/charities?  Jesus, at his time of death, despite his pain was caring and praying for the person next to him. 

I pray for the grace of God as Reconnect commences the journey towards “seeking a better tomorrow” for the mentally ill, the substance abuser and their families”

Dr. Vincent Udenze 

PEOPLE OF RECONNECT HDI

Dr Vincent Udenze

Dr udenze is the founder and President of Reconnect Health Development Initiative; he is a uk based consultant psychiatrist with well over 20 years experience in the medical sector, and special interests in addiction psychiatry and service development . 

''My experience as a clinician makes me connect with the feelings and struggles of my patients. I have an innate desire to support people and communities to make changes that will improve their mental health. I am excited by the young and vibrant  people all over the world that are beginning to connect with the Reconnect vision''. 

Jean Igwebe

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham UK, and a Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of the West of England Bristol. My passion for charitable work and research into health issues fuelled my interest for pursuing a career in Public Health. I have volunteered in a number of charity organisations such as Scope UK and also carried out systematic research in various health topics that include those addressing the impact of stigma on various health issues in Sub-Saharan Africa.

I am currently one of the team leaders for programs at Reconnect Health Development Initiative (ReconnectHDI). At one stage of my life I was partly in care and support of someone who was faced with a mental disorder. Witnessing the challenges experienced, my whole perception about mental health changed and I felt the need to be involved in the strive to promote better mental health in our country Nigeria. I believe that being a humanitarian aid worker is a lifestyle - not just a job. I find myself lucky to be able to have a meaningful career with ReconnectHDI that is in alignment with my values, interests and things I believe in.

ReconnectHDI provides an all-encompassing course in targeting issues in mental health via various programs that include treatment options, research, advocacy and education to target both the community at large and vulnerable target populations for more effective intervention outcomes. Being part of this initiative has got me in contact with the most wonderful friends and colleagues I can imagine. With a team mixed with a fine blend of both internationally and locally trained professionals who are dedicated to the same vision and aspirations, I have no doubt that ReconnectHDI will make global impacts and be a leading light in the mental health sector

Ezinwanyi Ubani-Ebere

Ezinwanyi Ubani-Ebere holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus,GA USA. She has interned with the Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS) and CASA in Atlanta,GA,USA. 

“Working with Reconnecthdi as program officer has been a life changer because many of us take our mental health for granted and do not know that at any moment it can be compromised. I and the entire Reconnect team take the work that we do at Reconnect very seriously because we know that people’s lives can be saved through us. In the future I see Reconnect as the main source of awareness and education when dealing with mental health in Nigeria and all over Africa.

 One of the most special things I love about Reconnect is that we focus on everyday people that may not be educated on mental health or may not even have access to get there mental health disorder treated. In addition we also focus heavily on children by bringing awareness through some of our special programs like Speak Out! and Simply Say No. Doing this will not only raise a healthier generation but create a better tomorrow for Nigeria as well.”  IM GLAD TO BE ARECONNETER!

Danielle Hewitt

I am currently a Licensed General Social Worker in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. I graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County in 2005 with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling. I then graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2007 with a Bachelors Degree in Clinical Social Work with a minor in Sociology. Lastly, I graduated from the University Of Maryland School Of Social Work with a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. I have worked in the Mental Health field for 13 years with both children and adults with mental health and substance abuse issues and continue to love what I do. Social Workers do difficult work, often with challenging patients, but they provide much- needed services and can make a real difference in the lives of those they serve. 

I have decided to begin working with the NGO, Reconnect in Abuja, Nigeria as the Countries representative in the United States, due to its mission and desire to make a huge impact and make changes on an individual and societal level. I want to be a part of the movement, to empower others, make society aware of the issues, and provide services to assist individuals in getting better. I strive to maximize the development of human potential, enable people to achieve the best possible levels of personal and social well-being; and assist them in achieving social justice through social development and social change. Reconnect will continue to grow and hopefully be present and actively making a difference in all the states in Nigeria. I have a strong desire to help those who are less fortunate and I believe this is what God has lead me to do. My colleagues are dedicated, caring and educated individuals with a desire to assist others in improving their lives. The CEO/Medical Director has a huge heart, a passion to help others that is contagious, and strong desire to better mental health and substance abuse services in Nigeria. His interest carries over into the staff that he employees at Reconnect and everyone has a genuine passion to help those in need. We will continue to make a conscious effort in promoting diversity, advocating, educating, and providing services to those individuals less fortunate. 

RECONNECT HDI

WHO WE ARE...

Reconnect is a leading advocacy organization addressing the full spectrum of mental and substance use conditions and their effects nationwide. We work to inform, advocate and enable access to quality mental health services for all Nigerians, and to tackle the menacing issue of stigma as it relates to mental health and wellness.

Our organization and its partners seek to establish grassroots actions that promote mental health, and address mental and substance use issues with compassionate and concrete solutions. We inform, support and enable mental wellness, and emphasize recovery from mental illness.

Our core values are dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental and substance use conditions and achieving victory over mental illnesses and addictions through advocacy, education, research and service.

We envision a just, humane and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity to achieve their full potential through meaningful social inclusion that is free from discrimination.

Consistent with our views as an organization, we have set our sights at  working for improved care and treatment of persons with mental and substance use conditions; educating the public about mental and substance use conditions and their causes and treatments; and fighting stigma and prejudice and promoting social justice and recovery from mental and substance use conditions.

At Reconnect, we believe that no one should have to face a mental health challenge alone. 

Despite growing knowledge of how to diagnose and treat mental illnesses, myths and misperceptions about these disorders persist, leading to stigma and discrimination toward those who live with them, Reconnect is determined to make a difference.

Mission Statement

Reconnect Health Development Initiative is committed to creating awareness, minimizing stigma, and promoting tolerance and the understanding of mental ill health. It is also committed to supporting enhanced access to curative and preventive services. 

Vision

We envision a reconnection of the physically disturbed, the mentally ill, and the substance abuser, with their families and the rest of society. We envision an inclusive role for these individuals, where they can make valuable contributions to their communities and benefit from enhanced treatment and rehabilitation. For us at reconnect, our vision is for optimal functioning and integration of these individuals.

Values

Reconnect operates with the following values

• Transparency and honesty 
• Accountability 
• Equality and Justice 
• Confidentiality 

For us at reconnect, its not just WHAT WE DO, its HOW we do it that matters most.  

Drawing Mental Illness: A Visual Diary by Bobby Bak

SYNAPSE SERVICES

About Synapse

Synapse Services is a privately owned Center for Psychological Medicine located in the heart of Nigeria - Abuja. We provide first class psychological and psychiatric care as well as treatment of addictions, with a range of therapeutic programs suited to individual needs.

Fully accredited, our Center retains sensitivity, warmth and comfort.

Services available include: 

General Psychiatric Services - Inpatient and Out patient

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation - Inpatient and Day Patient

Day Programs

Aged Psychiatry Service

Community Outreach Service

Specialist Consulting Suite 

Mission Statement

To provide high quality, holistic and cost effective private psychiatric and drug rehabilitation service of the highest professional standard in Africa with strict adherence to confidentiality.

 Our Vision

To aid in drastically reducing the scorch of stigmatization of mentally ill persons in Africa, thus responding to the various needs of stakeholders. By doing so, we hope to create an environment where a person's goals of wellness and recovery from mental illness and addictions can be realized. We will support continuing professional development of our staffs for progressive quality service delivery. 

Our Values

Relationships based on integrity, trust and understanding

Achieving customer satisfaction

Leadership in our field

Constant innovation, staff development and adaption
Communicating openly and honestly at all levels

 Synapse offers a complete continuum of psychiatric services including: 

Private acute inpatient psychiatric services, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation services

Geriatric psychiatry

Outpatient consultation

Daily therapeutic groups and activities

Community Based Services

Educational Services

We aim to work with each patient, with no age restriction, on their particular needs and goals as undertaken on admission. We will promote independence, foster healthy lifestyle options and strive to return patients to their home, community and work, as applicable, and as soon as possible.

Head Office

24 Bujumbura Crescent,

Off Libreville Street,

By Aminu Kano Crescent,

Wuse II, Abuja.

Call us on: 07098207044, 08152882329.

Coworkers!

These are some amazing coworkers and me the day I left Nigeria to return home.

Trying to Make it Home

I left Abuja Nigeria 11pm Wednesday night to return home Thursday USA at 2:35pm and my flight is delayed because i needed to take another flight because i missed my flight. On top of that i will say i just had the most horrible experience of my life when i arrived at Frankfurt Germany airport at 5am Thursday here in Germany. 

Can i say racial profiling... to the extreme. I walked off the plane and three men where standing right at the entrance and what did they see a white american woman Coming from Nigeria. They immediately pulled me to the side asked for my passport and showed me there ID. It was Germany Customs Officers. They went through my lab top bag and my purse. They took my money out asking why i had so much money... none of their business may i add. Then asked me if i snort cocaine. I was shocked. They asked if i was doing contract in Nigeria... what in the world is wrong with people. They questioned me for 30 minutes and then said they wanted a drug test and they wiped my hands with something saying it detects drug on skin then insisted that i go with them for a body search. 

So i went. How violated i feel right now they made me strip down naked searched my body and clothing for drugs and then made me do a urine drug test and made me wait hours while they called immigration and questioned some more... seriously I'm a licensed social worker doing work at a drug rehab and psychiatric hospital and NGO in Nigeria and they question me and harass me as if I'm using drug. They made me miss my flight and were not nice. 

It was hard to say bye to Nigeria and felt that i had such a good trip and so many things discussed and worked on were productive and positive and then this... i just want to be home with my kids.. cant wait to come home!!!

Say No to Drugs

So today was a very productive yet eventful day. Its 1:15am here in Abuja and I'm just now settling into the hotel for the night.

Today we met with Customs at Synapse Services to discuss partnering with them to spread awareness about drug abuse and getting their officers drug tested and supporting recovery instead of firing them from their jobs.

We also met in Nasawara State University in Keffi Nigeria. We discussed "Say No to Drugs" in the University to decrease the stigma and to assist those students who are using substances in the University. It was a long hot drive and the car over heated yet the meeting were productive and everyone seems excited about Recconect HDI the NGO within Synapse Services and partnering with us to provide support and assist in preventing substance abuse, providing awareness and education to the society.