Selected
Equitable Health Systems

Same Same: A lifeline for LGBTQI+ youth

SameSame provides mental health support to LGBTQI+ youth living in countries where fear and stigma prevent equitable access to identity-affirming care

Team Leader
Jono McKay
SameSame provides mental health support to LGBTQI+ youth living in countries where fear and stigma prevent equitable access to identity-affirming care

The Problem

Across the globe, LGBTQI+ youth are at much higher risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, compromising their health, education, earning potential, and ability to realize their potential.

The Solution

SameSameprovides mental health support to LGBTQI+ youth living in countries where fear and stigma prevent equitable access to identity-affirming care. A WhatsApp chat bot provides users with access to a proven mental health intervention that has been adapted to be delivered through the most widely-accessible messaging platform on the planet, putting critical information and inclusive support within reach of millions of young people who often have nowhere else to turn.

Stats

Same Same's LGBTQI+ support chatbot has been accessed by 380,000 young people seeking locally relevant, identity-affirming resources.

What is the name of your organization?
SameSame
What is the name of your solution?
Same Same: A lifeline for LGBTQI+ youth
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
SameSame provides mental health support to LGBTQI+ youth living in countries where fear and stigma prevent equitable access to identity-affirming care
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Cape Town
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
—
What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
—
What specific problem are you solving?
Across the globe, LGBTQI+ youth are at much higher risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, compromising their health, education, earning potential, and ability to realize their potential.
What is your solution?
SameSameprovides mental health support to LGBTQI+ youth living in countries where fear and stigma prevent equitable access to identity-affirming care. A WhatsApp chat bot provides users with access to a proven mental health intervention that has been adapted to be delivered through the most widely-accessible messaging platform on the planet, putting critical information and inclusive support within reach of millions of young people who often have nowhere else to turn.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our solution is designed to serve all LGBTQI+ youth living in countries with restrictive and discriminatory laws and norms. Mental health care is difficult to access for all youth, but especially difficult for sexual and gender minorities who face discrimination and the threat of being outed or forced to undergo conversion therapy if they share their hopes and fears with others. Our solution addresses their needs by providing them with connections to vetted services and equipping them with tools they can use to manage their own mental health even in situations where care may be difficult or impossible to access.

Organization Type:
Nonprofit

Headquarters:
Cape Town, South Africa

Stage:
Growth

Working In:
South Africa, Zimbabwe

Solution Website:
www.samesamecollective.org

Solution Team:
Jono McKay
Jono McKay
Co-founder