Sheknatu Isata Bangura, a contestant in the upcoming Miss Freetown Beauty Pageant for the Central Area, marked World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with a community walk in Freetown. The event began at Youyi Building in Brookfields and concluded at Family Kingdom, involving health officials, community leaders, and members of the public to highlight mental health awareness.
“I believe beauty should go beyond physical appearance,” said Bangura, a fifth-year medical student. “It must be combined with intelligence, compassion, and action.” Her roles as both a healthcare student and pageant contestant shape her perspective. She aims to use her Miss Freetown platform to address pressing local issues, prioritising mental health.
The walk served as a reminder that mental health is crucial to overall well-being. According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is the state of well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s stresses and contribute positively to their communities. “There is no health without mental health,” a message echoed by participants at the event.
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” guided much of the discussion. Bangura emphasised the importance of listening to those with lived experience of mental health issues and creating spaces for their voices in shaping services and policies.
She highlighted three key aspects of mental well-being: emotional wellness, psychological well-being, and social well-being. “These areas impact every part of daily life, from personal relationships to community participation,” Bangura noted. She urged the community to check in on loved ones, listen without judgement, and speak openly about mental health. “It’s okay to ask for help,” she added. “Every story matters. Every mind matters.”
Bangura also called for reducing stigma by fostering safe environments for open discussions and encouraging early help-seeking. With her medical background, she advocates for practical and compassionate approaches to mental health, using her pageant platform to spread these vital messages throughout Freetown.
As the Miss Freetown pageant approaches, Bangura plans to continue her advocacy, education, and community service efforts. “I want to show that a crown can be a powerful tool for positive change,” she said, hoping to inspire others, especially the youth, to take mental health seriously and work towards a supportive society.
