About Us
Chop & Chat is a community-driven mental health organization based in Nigeria, dedicated to providing accessible and affordable support through group therapy, counseling, webinars, and interactive events.
By blending engaging discussions with food and drinks, we create a hospitable space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered—helping to promote mental wellness and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
Our Story: How Chop & Chat Was Born
Chop & Chat was born out of personal experiences that underscored the power of community in maintaining mental well-being. We envisioned a space where everyday people could engage in open, unfiltered conversations—free from the barriers of fame or societal expectations—sharing and learning from one another in a judgment-free environment.
On December 21, 2018, in a cozy restaurant on Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, we hosted our first gathering. It was more than just a discussion; it was the start of a movement—one designed to help individuals understand mental health in their own reality, find their place in the conversation, and discover actionable steps toward wellness.
The name Chop & Chat reflects the heart of our sessions:
1.Chop (Pidgin English for eat—a widely spoken variation of English in parts of West Africa)
2.Chat (Engaging conversations that foster connection).
By sharing meals, we break through the initial awkwardness of sitting in a room with strangers. Small talk over food naturally paves the way for deeper, more meaningful discussions about mental health experiences, making it easier to open up, connect, and heal.
Recognizing the role of young people in driving cultural change, we focused on shifting mental health perceptions among Lagos’ vibrant youth. As momentum grew, Chop & Chat expanded to other cities, including Ibadan and Abuja, offering physical sessions where communities could connect, heal, and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the urgent need for accessible mental health support, and we responded by launching free online peer counseling, ensuring that no one had to face their struggles alone.
But our vision doesn’t stop here. Our big idea is to equip communities across Africa with the resources to establish their own safe spaces for mental health conversations. By fostering dialogue and support at a grassroots level, we aim to create a lasting impact—one conversation, one connection, and one community at a time.
Our Mission Statement
At Chop & Chat, we believe that mental wellness thrives in the community. Our mission is to provide judgment-free spaces where individuals from all walks of life can engage in meaningful discussions, receive mental health support, and find healing—one conversation and one shared meal at a time.
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