Session Title:
Exploring Nature and Community Pathways to Mental Wellbeing: Emerging Perspectives from MalawiSession Date:
16.04.26
Session Time:
15.00h CET (Central European Time)
Format:
Online
Language:
English
Geographical Focus:
Malawi
Sociodemographic Focus:
Youth suffering from mental health challenges and the communities supporting their wellbeingRegistration: Link to Eventbrite
Overwiev
In this session, we delve into how nature and community networks are key in supporting youth mental well-being in Malawi!
Across the world, there is growing recognition of the role that natural environments, green spaces, and community settings can play in supporting mental wellbeing. Research exploring nature-based interventions has shown promising links between environmental engagement and improved mental health outcomes. However, in many regions, including Malawi, this conversation is still in its early stages.
This RESONATE Global Spotlight session will explore how ideas connecting environment, community, and mental wellbeing can be understood and applied within the Malawian context.
The dialogue will bring together perspectives from community initiatives, mental health practice, and youth engagement to reflect on the realities of mental health among young people in Malawi. While the concept of nature-based approaches may be relatively new in the country, communities have long relied on social networks, outdoor environments, and shared spaces as sources of resilience and wellbeing.
Through this session, speakers will explore how these existing community practices may intersect with emerging global discussions on nature-based mental health approaches. The dialogue will also introduce Mthunzi Minds, a youth-led initiative seeking to explore innovative and contextually grounded ways to strengthen mental wellbeing among young people.
By connecting local experience with global research, the session aims to open a broader conversation about how Malawi can contribute to,and benefit from,international learning on preventive and community-based mental health approaches.
Towellah Margaret Kabaghe
Mthunzi Minds
Topic: Understanding Nature-Based Approaches to Mental Wellbeing: Connecting Global Ideas to the Malawian Context
Chiyambi Sande Guwela
Ministry of Health
Topic: Community Mental Health and Everyday Pathways to Wellbeing: What Already Exists in Malawi
Micheal Chisimba Nyirenda
Saint John of God Hospitaller Services
Topic: Bridging Clinical Mental Health Care with Community and Nature-Based Approaches in Malawi
Matilda van den Bosch
WP2 leader
Fundación Privada Instituto de Salud Global Barcelona
(ISGLOBAL)
Interview with Matilda