NEISSR, Gracious Life Foundation hold mental health programme

Chümoukedima, October 24 (MExN): The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) and Gracious Life Foundation jointly organised a Mental Health and Wellbeing programme at BAM Hall, NEISSR, on Saturday, with 150 Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students participating.The programme aimed to promote mental health awareness among students and highlight the importance of wellbeing in social work education and practice, stated a press release received here. The resource person, Lisali M. Humtsoe, Founder and Executive Director of Gracious Life Foundation, is a social worker and mental health practitioner with 11 years of professional experience in the social development sector. She was accompanied by Shasin Khing, Programme Coordinator, and Illili Jakha Khujumi, Psychologist.During her session, Humtsoe emphasised that mental health is essential to an individual's overall wellbeing and that promoting it is not solely the responsibility of professionals but also requires the active involvement of families, communities and young people. She stressed the important role of social workers in addressing mental health concerns through meaningful engagement with individuals and communities, awareness-building and the promotion of practices that enhance wellbeing, and highlighted the importance of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Club at NEISSR in sustaining awareness and encouraging students to take an active role.Khing and Khujumi shared practical approaches to coping with stress, emphasising the importance of sharing concerns with trusted people, listening without judgement and creating supportive spaces where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking help.The sessions were complemented by interactive group activities during which students explored the effects of stress and presented their understanding of the importance of good mental health, encouraging reflection, participation and peer learning.Dr Toli H. Kiba, Head of Department and Assistant Professor at NEISSR, welcomed the gathering and introduced the resource persons. Daisinlung Sebastian Kamsuan, Assistant Professor at NEISSR, delivered the vote of thanks and highlighted the significance of mental health in social work, encouraging students to become champions of mental health by promoting awareness, supporting people in need and fostering a culture of understanding and care.