Sunday Times 2
Healing Minds Matter
View(s):- Building awareness, strengthening prevention and providing lasting support
By Yomal Senerath-Yapa
The Rotary for Healing Minds Matter initiative was sparked by a tragic incident. Rotarian Sushena Ranatunga and a few friends were driving past Loggal Oya in Uva near Mahiyangana with its expanses of water and jungle when they spotted two girls on a bridge eyeing them in a rather disturbed way. Sushena would wonder aloud to his friends if they were ‘considering jumping off?’
The very next day they were to see a video captured of those two girls actually taking their lives by jumping off the bridge. Only one survived.
A few quick calls to fellow Rotarians Rasini Bandara (psychologist) and Michael Jayawardana were the first ‘building blocks’ of the Healing Minds Matter, a mental wellness programme now embarking on its second year with much already achieved, and a clear vision for the future including a mobile app with a helpline and partnership with the existing mental health hotline 1375.
The suicide statistics are shocking, stress the Rotarians, speaking at a press conference last Monday at Elevate by Jetwing: 10 to 12 people take their lives every day in Sri Lanka; the most ‘prone’ age group is 70 and above; and children aged 8 to 16 are very vulnerable.
Building awareness, strengthening prevention and providing lasting support are the key missions of Healing Minds Matter.
Already, 11,000 individuals have been reached through awareness programmes in schools, universities, workplaces and rural communities, “helping normalise conversations around mental health and dismantle stigma”.
Also more than 310 QPR-certified gatekeepers, including teachers, HR professionals, youth leaders and community volunteers, have been equipped with the skills to recognise warning signs, intervene effectively and act as first responders in moments of suicidal crisis.
The second year, will see “a bold new phase for Healing Minds Matter anchored on four pillars” promise Rasini and Michael.
Of paramount importance is the new mobile app developed with Xigenix (Pvt) Ltd to connect users with helplines, referral networks and vital resources.
They will also partner with Lanka Life Line 1375, Sri Lanka’s 24/7 mental health hotline, ensuring immediate support is available for those in distress.
Also in the pipeline are an expanded awareness drive aiming to reach 20,000 participants in schools, universities and workplaces over the next year and the certification of 500 additional QPP gatekeepers to build a nationwide safety net of trained responders.
In addition, the 10,000-sq. ft Mental Health Wing at the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Medicine will be refurbished to house Sri Lanka’s first Rotary Mental Wellness Centre, a permanent hub for therapy, training and community outreach.
The initiative is under the stewardship of District Governor Rotarian Delvin Pereira, Rotary International District 3220 (Sri Lanka and Maldives). Said Rotarian Pereira: “This initiative exemplifies Rotary’s purpose- service that touches lives where the need is greatest. Mental health (issues) are a challenge we cannot ignore, and Rotary will continue to lead where leadership is required.”