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About us

Our mission

At The Mended Foundation, our mission is to promote and protect the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals within the Black community. We provide accessible, culturally informed information, guidance, and support to help people understand their mental health and take meaningful steps toward healing.
We believe mental health is essential to overall wellbeing, and we are committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and empowering individuals to overcome challenges and live fulfilling, purposeful lives.

Our vision

We envision a world where mental health is valued, stigma is eliminated, and culturally responsive support is available to all. Our goal is to build a community where people feel safe, understood, and encouraged to seek help when they need it, without fear or judgment.

We strive for a future where every person, especially those within the Black community, can thrive, grow, and experience a life rooted in wellness, connection, and hope.

What we value

Our values shape every aspect of our work and reflect our commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient community:

Compassion

We treat every person with empathy, kindness, and respect. We create judgement-free spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

Empowerment

We equip individuals with the knowledge, tools, and personalised support they need to take control of their mental wellbeing.

Collaboration

We work closely with individuals, families, community partners, and mental health professionals. Together, we build collective strength and lasting impact.

Integrity

We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability. We honour the trust placed in us and uphold the highest ethical standards.

About our Founder

Juliana Akpotayobor

(Founder & CEO, The Mended Foundation)

My journey into mental health advocacy began long before The Mended Foundation existed. Years ago, while working at the National Assembly in Nigeria after my youth service, I discovered a swelling in my neck that changed the direction of my life.

After several tests and two medical opinions, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

The surgery was difficult, and complications nearly took my life. But by God’s mercy, I survived.

A diagnosis that changed everything

At the time, the treatment I needed wasn’t available in Nigeria, so I travelled to the United Kingdom for radioiodine therapy.

The process was isolating and emotionally draining. I had to live apart from loved ones, avoid children and pregnant women, and navigate recovery almost entirely on my own.

Even after treatment, the impact continued: changes to my voice, strict dietary restrictions, and the emotional strain of rebuilding life after illness.

Healing far from home

The isolation, fear, and uncertainty I experienced deeply affected my mental wellbeing. I learned how overwhelming it can feel to battle something so big in silence, and how powerful compassion and understanding can be when offered at the right time.

Alongside my work as a mental health support worker and childcare provider, these experiences opened my eyes to the urgent need for services that are not only accessible, but also culturally aware, compassionate, and deeply human, especially within the Black community.

Why I created The Mended Foundation

The Mended Foundation was born from my desire to offer the kind of support, empathy, and community I once needed.

A place where people feel seen and understood.

A place where cultural identity is acknowledged, not overlooked.

A place where no one has to deal with their struggles in silence.

My story is just one example of what it means to be broken and rebuilt. Through Mended Foundation, I hope to help others find strength, hope, and a path towards wholeness.