The Van Moorhouse Foundation (VMF), a charitable organization in Ghana has donated to the Kumasi Cheshire Home, a rehabilitation centre for people living with chronic mental illness.

The Foundation, presented items including clothes for men and women, bags of rice, boxes of bottled water, local foodstuff, cups, plates, and toiletries to Cheshire Home.

Speaking to journalists after the donation, the Ashanti Regional representative of Van Moorhouse Foundation, Naa Ashokor Ashong, said the charity organisation realized that people living with mental illness were often neglected and the Kumasi Cheshire Rehab Home was no exception.

“Upon research, we recognized that patients that are brought here go through a tough times. Their illness is not always recognized by many because of the stigma attached to mental illness and we aim to be different by focusing our charity efforts at places that are sensitive but vital,” she said.

Ms. Ashong added that “In the future, we are looking at liaising and helping all organisations of this nature in Ghana. Our vision is to serve underprivileged people in Ghana, regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, mental capacity, or gender”.

She further hinted that VMF would continue to extend its charity arm to cover other deprived people across the country.

“This event is the second to be held so far by the foundation and others are to be held towards the end of the year. We look forward to assisting those in most need, and hope to raise further funds for the foundation so we can have more events of this kind,” she noted.

Receiving the items on behalf of the facility, Mr Owusu Adjei, the Administrator at the Home, thanked the Van Moorhouse Foundation.

He praised the Foundation for their kind gesture to the patients and called on other organisations to emulate their example.

VMF was founded by a philanthropist based in the United Kingdom, and is supported by Trustees, Patrons, advisors and volunteers based in the UK, USA and Ghana.

The Kumasi Cheshire Home deals with all types of mental illness including depression and anxiety.