Doctor Radha Modgil and journalist Seyi Rhodes are co-hosting a new series of the Positive News podcast, the six-part series, Developing Mental Wealth. In it, the pair explore “practical ways” to improve mental health, with a focus on communities in economically developing countries in Africa and South America. Each episode examines a different solution to improving mental wellbeing and the benefits experienced by those who have benefited from the approach. Episode one features Marie-Alix de Putter’s initiative, Heal by Hair, which trains hairdressers in Cameroon, Togo and the Ivory Coast to provide counselling support for mental health issues, helping clients to overcome the “social taboo” associated with discussing such issues.
Modgil, who is a GP, broadcaster and author, said: “Finding practical ways to solve problems is something you do day to day as a doctor, so the problem-solving approach to news really resonates with me.” Rhodes, best known for his presenting work on Channel 4’s Unreported World, added: “The way that people find out about the world is changing. There’s a lot of space now for solutions-focused journalism; people consume it much more easily and readily. I think it lends itself to a digital audience much better.”
Modgil and Rhodes stress the importance of bespoke solutions to mental health problems, tailored to specific communities, cultures and needs. Rhodes said: “In African philosophy generally, there’s a much more communal approach to everything, but particularly to mental health.” Modgil added that, at a time when people can become overwhelmed by negative news and feel powerless to effect change, the stories told in the podcast reveal the “optimism” that can come from seeing passionate individuals and groups coming together to “effect change
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