KUCHING – Over 30 from various organisations in Kuching participated in a mental health course jointly organised by Swinburne University campuses in Sarawak and Melbourne, and the Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHAS).
The 14-hour course that was held at the Swinburne’s campus in Kuching was facilitated by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certified trainer Professor Jenny Martin from Swinburne University’s Faculty of Health, Arts and Design.
Focusing on problems experienced by youth, the participants learnt how to recognise a situation when someone needs help, how to approach empathetically and, after listening carefully to their situation, how to encourage them to connect with supportive networks and professional help.
Group photo of the participants with Professor Martin (seated in the middle).
Generally, Malaysians are equipped with first aid skills to attend to physical injuries but to administer first aid for people showing signs of mental distress is new to Malaysia. However, in Australia, over half a million people have been trained by MHFA, an organisation established by a husband and wife team in 2000.
According to the participants, the course delivery was an engaging one and they agreed that it can benefit a large group of people including parents and youth to undertake the training. A school counsellor in particular noted how the course was very useful in providing a systematic guide to approaching someone who may be suffering from a mental health problem.
It is estimated one in four people will face a mental health problem at some stage of their life yet public awareness on providing support is still very low.
Plans are in the pipeline for the MHFA course focusing on adults to be rolled out across Malaysia once locals have been trained to conduct it. In the meantime, those wanting to know more about mental health or to arrange talks on the topic can contact MHAS at 016 808 2015.
Meanwhile, Swinburne is playing its part to increase awareness on mental wellbeing through its 5KM SwinCARE Run this 3 November. It is open to staff and students of the university as well as members of the public. Those interested to register for this event can register online via https://www.jotform.com/sbsadmin/swincare-run-2018-registration-form or meet a representative from Student HQ, Block A, Swinburne’s campus at Jalan Simpang Tiga. The representatives are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Registration deadline is 25 September 2018.
For more information about Swinburne, visit the university’s website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).