Unmute Your Mind: AgapeLY Advisory’s Mission to Break Mental Health Stigma and Prevent Suicide

Oyeronke Shobowale, The founder/Managing Partner of Agapely Advisory speaks on their ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility, Mental Health Initiative(MHI)

What inspired the launch of AgapeLY Advisory’s Mental Health Initiative, and why is the campaign titled Unmute Your Mind?

AgapeLY Advisory’s Mental Health Initiative was born out of a deep understanding of the growing need to address mental health challenges in our society. The title Unmute Your Mind encapsulates our belief that people must feel empowered to speak out about their struggles, rather than suffering in silence. The inspiration came from witnessing how the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in professional and corporate settings, often prevents individuals from seeking help. By launching this initiative, we aim to create a platform where voices that are often drowned out can be heard.

Can you share the significance of launching this campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day?
World Suicide Prevention Day is a powerful reminder of the urgency of addressing mental health issues and the devastating consequences of silence. We chose this day to launch the Unmute Your Mind campaign to amplify the message that every life matters, and that the first step towards saving lives is providing people with a space to talk, to express, and to get help before it’s too late. It’s about being proactive in preventing tragedies and supporting those at risk.

How does AgapeLYAdvisory aim to address the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in corporate and professional settings?

At AgapeLY Advisory, we believe that mental health should be a priority in every workplace. Our Mental Health Performance Implementation Program helps businesses and corporate organizations foster employee well-being, creating a culture that emphasizes care, not just deadlines. This program is designed to break the stigma associated with mental health and shift the focus toward a supportive and compassionate work environment. To learn more, visit our website: www.agapelyadvisory.com/mhi

What is AgapeLY Advisory’s range of services, and why has the organization chosen mental health as its focus for a CSR initiative?

AgapeLY Advisory provides a comprehensive suite of services that span company formation and business expansion, business and financial advisory, PEO solutions (outsourced HR), and strategic market entry. We have always been focused on delivering long-term value, and mental health naturally became a key part of our CSR initiative because we believe that no business can thrive without mentally healthy individuals. It aligns with our core values of integrity, client focus, and innovation—investing in people and their well-being is essential for sustainable growth.

What specific challenges have you identified in encouraging individuals to speak openly about mental health, and how does this campaign address those challenges?

One of the biggest challenges is the deeply ingrained fear of being perceived as weak or unprofessional. Many people hesitate to talk about their mental health because they worry it could negatively impact their careers. The Unmute Your Mind campaign directly addresses this by normalizing conversations about mental health and emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We’re creating safe spaces, both online and in the workplace, where individuals can open up without fear of judgment.

How do you envision the Unmute Your Mind campaign supporting those at risk of suicide, and what role does community engagement play in this?

The Unmute Your Mind campaign is designed to be a lifeline for those at risk of suicide by offering accessible resources, helplines, and direct access to mental health professionals. Community engagement is at the heart of this initiative—we’re partnering with organizations, influencers, and thought leaders to raise awareness and encourage open dialogue. The more we talk about it as a community, the more we can help those who feel isolated and vulnerable.

What kind of resources and support are you offering through the Mental Health Initiative to help people struggling with mental health issues?

At AgapeLY MHI, we provide confidential, free support through our helpline at +234 800 061 1009, connecting individuals with our team of social workers, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. We also provide daily therapeutic guidance through our WhatsApp community, which can be joined by scanning the QR code or clicking the join button on our MHI landing page at www.agapelyadvisory.com/mhi. The group is open to individuals facing mental health challenges as well as their family and friends seeking support. We also offer an extensive range of online resources to assist anyone in need.

How can businesses and organizations partner with AgapeLY Advisory to promote mental well-being in the workplace?

Businesses can partner with us through our Mental Health Performance Implementation Program, designed to promote employee well-being by fostering a culture that prioritizes care, not just deadlines. Additionally, organizations can encourage their employees to join our WhatsApp community for daily mental health tips and counselling. Anyone can join by clicking the join button or scanning the QR code on our MHI landing page at www.agapelyadvisory.com/mhi.

This initiative empowers companies to actively support the mental health of their employees and cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive.

What message would you like to share with individuals who may be struggling in silence, and how can they access the help offered by AgapeLY Advisory?

If you are struggling in silence, know that help is just a phone call away. You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to our confidential, free helpline at +234 800 061 1009 or explore our online resources at www.agapelyadvisory.com/mhi to get the support you need.