Ampati, Oct 16: The Department of Social Work, Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), Tura Campus, in collaboration with Mason Phillips College, Tura observed World Mental Health Day through a community outreach programme at Matchiang English School, Damalgre, on Friday, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness, open conversations and empathy toward individuals’ lived experiences.
Funded under the Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme through the office of the Deputy Commissioner, South West Garo Hills, Ampati, the programme aimed to promote mental health awareness, encourage community participation and foster a supportive environment where individuals could share their experiences and challenges without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Smt. Dokatchi Marak, Clinical Psychologist under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), South West Garo Hills, attended the programme as the chief guest. In her address, she emphasised the importance of recognising mental health concerns and encouraging individuals to seek professional support without hesitation.
Shri Ambrose Ch. Marak, Retd. IAS, Registrar of Captain Williamson Sangma State University, Tura, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of mental well-being and the role of educational institutions in promoting awareness, understanding and empathy within communities.
The programme featured a range of activities aimed at engaging participants and communicating the importance of mental health in everyday life. Students of Mason Phillips College presented a song, while students of CWSSU, Tura Campus staged a skit conveying messages on mental health awareness.
Master of Social Work (MSW) students of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) also presented a special item. A key highlight of the programme was a community interaction and experience-sharing session, which provided participants with an opportunity to express their perspectives and share their lived experiences in a supportive environment.
The session also sought to document selected experiences to highlight the challenges faced by individuals and underscore the importance of listening with compassion and understanding.
The outreach programme reflected the collaborative efforts of the participating institutions to extend mental health awareness beyond academic settings and into the wider community. It reinforced the message that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being and deserves the same attention and care as physical health.
Through such initiatives, CWSSU, Tura Campus and Mason Phillips College seek to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, encourage meaningful dialogue and promote a more inclusive and supportive community where individuals feel comfortable sharing their concerns and seeking help when needed.
