From Creative Healing in Nigeria to Scalable Digital Therapy
The School of Global Affairs has won funding for two transformative initiatives aimed at revolutionizing mental health care and community resilience across Africa.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and local partnerships, these projects are addressing urgent needs in both Northern Nigeria and multiple African countries, where millions face psychological trauma and limited access to care.
Both projects are funded by the One King's Impact Fund, which supports interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges.
Weaving Lives Together in Northern Nigeria
In Northern Nigeria, the "Weaving Lives Together" project is helping communities recover from the devastating effects of violent extremism. Led by Professor Eka Ikpe, Director of the African Leadership Centre, the initiative combines Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) with creative production, particularly in fashion and textile arts.
Partnering with the Neem Foundation, Creative Women in Lagos, and fashion house Ituen Basi, the project empowers people - especially women - by providing therapeutic support and connecting them to sustainable livelihoods. The initiative fosters healing, economic independence, and social cohesion through culturally rooted creative expression.
"We are very grateful to receive this grant," said Professor Eka Ikpe, Director of the African Leadership Centre and lead on the project. "This initiative allows us to co-create a truly interdisciplinary intervention that blends Nigeria-led innovation in psychosocial support and creative production with King's cross-faculty expertise."
Digital Innovation for Depression Across Africa
Meanwhile, King's is also co-producing the first scalable digital intervention for depression in African countries. Co-led by Dr Gabrielle Samuel from the Department of Global Health and Social Mediciine, this project builds on the success of Zimbabwe's Friendship Bench model, which has already reached tens of thousands through face-to-face therapy.
The new digital platform will deliver guided self-help therapy via mobile phones, including basic feature phones, making mental health support accessible to under-served populations. The app is designed to be data-lite, environmentally conscious, and adaptable to local contexts. It blends digital tools with in-person support, aiming to double the reach of community health workers and reduce wait times for care.
"This initiative is about combining digital innovation with human connection," said Dr Samuel. "We're building a tool that is culturally relevant, inclusive, and scalable - one that can reach people who have waited far too long for care."
Shared Vision and Impact
The One King's Impact Fund reflects King's commitment to whole-life health, peace and justice, gender equality and sustainable development.
By integrating local expertise, creative industries, and digital innovation, King's College London is not only addressing mental health needs but also building pathways to resilience, dignity, and economic empowerment across Africa.
