On 16th July,2024, a comprehensive mental health training session funded by PRM, was conducted for 15 volunteer champions from Southern Settlements (Bylakuppe,Kollegal and Hunsur), trained by expert trainers from Sangath, at Bylakuppe Settlement. The training is aimed to enhance volunteers’ understanding of mental health issues, equip them with skills for identifying and supporting individuals with mental health challenges, and promote mental health awareness to reduce stigma within the community.
Training for volunteers in mental health support encompasses a wide array of crucial topics. Understanding mental health and depression is fundamental, including recognizing symptoms and knowing when to seek professional help. Volunteers learn the importance of their roles, which involve offering empathetic support, active listening, and directing individuals to appropriate resources. However, it’s essential to recognize boundaries; volunteers should avoid offering professional advice, diagnosing conditions, or making promises they can’t keep. Creating awareness about mental health involves organizing events, utilizing social media, and distributing informative materials to reduce stigma and promote understanding. When talking to people in distress, volunteers are trained to be patient, non-judgmental, and provide a safe space for expression. Additionally, they learn specific strategies to help someone facing domestic violence, such as recognizing signs, offering support. Supporting those receiving counseling involves encouraging their progress, respecting confidentiality, and understanding the importance of professional mental health services. Through this comprehensive training, volunteers are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their communities. Activities included interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, video screening and planning community outreach.
Participants provided positive feedback, noting the high quality of training, expertise of the trainers, and the interactive approach, while also suggesting more in-depth training on specific disorders and regular follow-up sessions. The training day was a significant step towards building a network of informed and capable volunteer champions, now better equipped to positively impact their community’s mental well-being, with ongoing support and further training deemed essential for sustaining these efforts.