W.I.S.H Marks One Year of Transforming the Mental Health Conversation in Antigua and Barbuda

One year ago, on World Mental Health Day, Antigua and Barbuda witnessed the birth of a movement that would change how the nation speaks about mental health. Today, the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (W.I.S.H) proudly celebrates its first anniversary, reflecting on twelve months of progress, partnerships, and purpose in its mission to normalize mental wellness and make care accessible for all.

Founded by Chaneil Imhoff, award-winning entrepreneur, communications specialist, and mental health advocate — W.I.S.H was created to fill a long-standing gap in national dialogue: the silence surrounding emotional wellbeing. In just one year, it has evolved from a community idea into a respected advocacy organization influencing public policy, inspiring youth, and shaping a new culture of empathy and openness across Antigua and Barbuda.

When W.I.S.H launched on October 10, 2024, it did so with a simple yet powerful message: “It’s okay to not be okay.” What began as an awareness campaign quickly grew into a national platform amplifying the stories, struggles, and triumphs of everyday Antiguans navigating their mental health journeys. From schools and workplaces to national television and policy tables, W.I.S.H has ensured that mental health is no longer a hidden conversation. Its name, an acronym for Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing, represents a promise to build a society where wellness is a shared responsibility and where healing is possible, accessible, and celebrated.

In its first twelve months, W.I.S.H achieved several landmark milestones. In 2024, it received a grant from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to strengthen community engagement and expand digital outreach, solidifying its role as a recognized Caribbean voice in mental health advocacy. Through storytelling, infographics, and digital campaigns, W.I.S.H reached over 20,000 people online, dismantling stigma and promoting mental wellness across Antigua and Barbuda.

One of its most ambitious projects, the W.I.S.H Mood Tracker, is currently under development — a digital platform designed to help individuals monitor their emotions, identify mental health trends, and access supportive resources, making W.I.S.H a pioneer in mental health technology for the region. The organization also collaborated with educators and youth leaders to introduce conversations about self-care and emotional literacy into schools, empowering young people to prioritize mental wellness early.

Beyond community programs, W.I.S.H has been a strong advocate for policy reform. It supports the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing efforts to update national mental health legislation which is a critical step toward modernizing care frameworks and protecting human rights. W.I.S.H also champions the creation of workplace wellness laws and greater access to psychosocial support. The initiative’s advocacy aligns closely with the country’s partnership under the PAHO Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy signed earlier this year, which prioritizes mental health, equity, and community-based care.

“When I started W.I.S.H, I wasn’t sure what it would grow into, I just knew that we needed a safe space to heal, to speak, and to be heard,” said Chaneil Imhoff, Founder of W.I.S.H. “This first year has been both humbling and affirming. We’ve seen people open up for the first time about struggles they’ve carried silently for years. We’ve watched families learn how to support one another. And we’ve proven that when we build communities of care, transformation follows. My hope for the next year is that we can take the conversation even further — into legislation, into classrooms, and into workplaces — so that mental health becomes everyone’s business. Healing should not depend on privilege or proximity; it should be a right.”

Building on this foundation, W.I.S.H is now expanding its work through five strategic priorities for 2026: strengthening policy engagement with lawmakers; conducting a nationwide survey on mental health to guide data-driven decisions; launching the W.I.S.H Mood Tracker as a free, accessible digital tool; integrating mental health education into schools; and certifying fifty individuals in Mental Health First Aid to establish a national network of community responders.

At its core, W.I.S.H is not just about programs but about people. From its outreach in schools to its growing online community, the initiative continues to prioritize compassion, inclusivity, and empowerment. “Every story we hear reminds us that healing is not linear, but it’s possible,” Imhoff added. 

As the organization looks ahead to its second year, W.I.S.H extends sincere gratitude to its volunteers, supporters, and partners who have stood behind the mission from day one. Special appreciation is extended to UNESCO for its early investment in W.I.S.H’s vision, the Ministry of Health and the Environment for its collaboration in policy dialogue, and regional partners like PAHO for continuing to push mental health forward across the Caribbean. The organization also recognizes its growing community of advocates, educators, and youth leaders whose voices have made W.I.S.H a living, breathing movement for change.  

About W.I.S.H

The Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (W.I.S.H) is a non-profit mental health advocacy organization based in Antigua and Barbuda. Founded in 2024 by Chaneil Imhoff, W.I.S.H is dedicated to breaking silence and shattering stigmas through advocacy, education, digital innovation, and community outreach. The organization envisions an Antigua and Barbuda  where mental wellness is normalized, accessible, and treated as a fundamental human right.

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