By: Ibrahim S. Bangura
Palama Rehabilitation Home has marked its first anniversary with a call for stronger partnerships, increased public awareness and greater support for people experiencing mental health challenges and substance abuse.
The anniversary celebration held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to coincide with World Mental Health Day, brought together representatives of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations (CSOs), mental health practitioners and cultural experts to discuss rehabilitation, community support and the reintegration of vulnerable people into society.
Described as the first and only rehabilitation home in Port Loko District, Palama provides care and support for people experiencing mental health challenges, those affected by substance abuse and other vulnerable members of society.
Speaking at the event, the founder of the home, Hon. Ibrahim Rashid Bundu, emphasised the importance of using personal experience and professional expertise to support vulnerable people and help them rebuild their lives.
“I am a retired politician, but I am not tired,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience as he reaffirmed his commitment to public service after more than 20 years of experience.
Bundu explained that the home was established to help address the growing challenges of mental health and substance abuse, which he said required collective action and sustained support.
He said the residential facility provides rehabilitation, counselling, guidance and education to residents. He also disclosed plans to introduce vocational training programmes to equip them with practical skills, promote self-reliance and support their reintegration into society.
“We want to introduce arts, catering, gara tie-dyeing and tailoring at the home. Recovery requires appropriate management, preparation and support to enable individuals to return to their families and communities and live productive lives. We need support to actualize these dreams for our future generations,” he said.
Bundu noted that the home had sufficient space to accommodate vocational training programmes and other activities designed to improve residents’ well-being and livelihoods.
He added that several residents had shown encouraging progress after spending months undergoing rehabilitation, underscoring the importance of consistent care and support throughout the recovery process.
He urged the public not to isolate or stigmatize people affected by substance abuse but instead to treat them with understanding and encourage them to seek professional help and support.
Despite the progress made during its first year, Bundu acknowledged that the cost of sustaining rehabilitation services remained a major challenge.
He explained that effective rehabilitation required trained personnel, vocational instructors, suitable facilities and other essential resources to provide adequate care and support.
“So, we are calling for support in these areas too,” he said.
He further called on skilled individuals and volunteers to contribute their expertise to the home, noting that their involvement would help expand its services and improve the prospects of residents.
Bundu said vocational training would enable residents to acquire practical skills, become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities after rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Sajoh Jalloh, Chief Executive of the Veteran Artists Association of Sierra Leone, pledged to train young people at Palama in acrobatics and cultural dance.
He said the activities would help participants develop their skills and self-confidence while supporting their mental well-being. He also noted that acquiring such skills could create opportunities for residents to earn a livelihood in the future.
Jalloh, an experienced trainer, has trained several of Sierra Leone’s leading gymnasts and acrobats, some of whom have gone on to further develop their skills through scholarships in China.
Lucy Lamin, a mental health expert, commended Bundu for establishing the rehabilitation home and his commitment to supporting vulnerable people.
Reflecting on the 2026 global mental health theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” Lamin stressed the importance of creating opportunities for people affected by mental health challenges to share their experiences and have their voices heard.
She said listening to their lived experiences was essential to understanding the difficulties they faced and developing appropriate interventions.
Lamin also called for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders, citing initiatives such as Palama Rehabilitation Home as important to efforts to address mental health challenges and substance abuse among young people.
She emphasised that collective action, community engagement and sustained support were necessary to improve the well-being of affected individuals and help them reintegrate into society.