Category: Mental Health

Marking the 5th anniversary of Ātmaprasārā, a five-day capacity-building and training programme in mental health counselling was organised recently for volunteer counsellors. The initiative aimed to strengthen grassroots mental health support by equipping participants with practical counselling skills and a deeper understanding of community well-being.

The training was conducted by mentors from Anna Chandy & Associates, a mental health training organisation known for its work in emotional wellness, organisational well-being, and counselling interventions. Through a series of interactive and hands-on sessions, the mentors introduced participants to core community-based counselling skills such as empathy, active listening, and effective communication.

The programme placed a strong emphasis on tapping into the community’s inherent resilience, collective wisdom, and healing potential. Activities were designed to be experiential, enabling participants to engage deeply with the concepts and apply them in real-life contexts. Existing volunteers also played a key role, sharing their experiences and insights, thereby creating a collaborative learning environment and helping new recruits connect with their future teammates.

In addition to counselling training, the programme offered sessions on upcycling and sustainable practices – a session on passive cooling systems was conducted by an expert associated with the United Nations Environment Programme. A tree plantation drive involving both new and existing volunteers further reinforced the programme’s focus on sustainability and community engagement.