The Wadadli Initiative for Self-Care and Healing (WISH) and the Hopeful Hearts Foundation have jointly completed the installation of a vibrant public mural on the walls of the historic Antigua Recreation Grounds, embedding mental health awareness into one of the nation's most visible civic spaces.
According to Antigua News Room, the mural was developed as part of WISH's "More Good Days, Together" campaign, in partnership with Going Together for Youth Creativity and Well-Being and with support from ABI Insurance Company Ltd. WISH was founded by Chaneil C. Imhoff.
Painted against a bold yellow background, the mural features tropical imagery including hibiscus blooms and birds of paradise, alongside hand-lettered typography carrying the message: "Be Kind to Your Mind." The choice of the Antigua Recreation Grounds as the installation site was deliberate. As one of the country's most recognised and historically significant public spaces, the location ensures the message reaches a broad cross-section of the community — from residents and commuters to visitors and youth.
The initiative responds to documented need. Research conducted by WISH indicates that young people across Antigua and Barbuda are experiencing elevated levels of stress and emotional strain, with limited access to safe spaces for expression. While mental health dialogue has grown in formal settings, public spaces have largely remained silent on the issue. The mural directly addresses that gap.
"This mural is about creating a space where people feel seen, where creativity meets purpose, and where community becomes part of the story," said Imhoff. "Watching everyone come together reminded me why this work matters so deeply."
The installation serves as the physical anchor of a broader coordinated campaign, which includes the rollout of the WISH Mood Tracker digital platform, dissemination of national survey findings, production of multi-voice public service announcements, and school-based poster distribution. Together, these components are designed to convert public visibility into meaningful engagement and action.
Kristina Louisa of the Hopeful Hearts Foundation described the collaboration as both a community achievement and a personal milestone. "It was an incredibly rewarding experience to help bring Chaneil's vision to life and be part of something so positive, creative, and community driven," she said. "Being able to include the Hopeful Hearts Foundation reflects the kind of impact that is possible when NGOs come together with a shared purpose. This truly feels like the beginning of something bigger."
The project supports three parallel national priorities: prevention and early engagement, youth empowerment, and public education aimed at reducing stigma. Both organisations have expressed their intention to expand the mural programme and explore future collaborations with community partners across the island.
For media inquiries or further information, WISH can be contacted at [email protected].
