Jammu: A two-day workshop on mental health titled ‘the Mann Talks’ was organized by American Center, New Delhi, in collaboration with Lead India (Leadership for Environment and Development) in Jammu today.
The Workshop, part of their Youth Leadership and Engagement in Social Action (YLESA) initiative was attended by selected 20 kids in the 13-17 age group.
Led by Simran Kour, YLESA participant and a French teacher at Banyan International School, the primary aim of the project is to provide mental health care support to adolescents in Jammu region. Hemani Singh, mental health counselor and Janvi Kour, a student of BA Psychology are among the Core Team of the project.
“As the first initiative of this project, alongside the workshop to cater to the needs of 20 selected kids, a needs assessment was done in Shomalli Mohalla of Village Old Satwari,” Sirman Kour said.
Hosted by the Friends Café, Karanbagh, the participants learnt about self introspection, emotional wellbeing, positive self image, self acceptance, joyful living, cultivating gratitude and non- violent expression through experiential and interactive fun activities, facilitated by a professional mental health counselor Hemani Singh.
Malvi Gupta, a Yoga therapist and fitness expert who was the special guest at the workshop, led a practical session on the link between yoga and mental wellbeing.
Arun Sharma, Founder, French Club Jammu and Sakshi Gupta also graced the occasion with gifts for the kids. Riya Sharma, student at Govt. SPMR College of Commerce and Shivam Slathia, digital entrepreneur provided resource material for the workshop.
LEAD (Leadership for Environment and Development) India is the India chapter of a unique, ever growing, live national and international network of professionals committed to the cause of– “development that is environmentally sustainable, socially equitable and economically viable.”
YLESA is a one-year-long virtual initiative, a collaboration of ACND and LEAD India that envisions providing an opportunity to youth across India to enhance their leadership capabilities for a cause, through multi-dimensional inputs, mentoring support from experienced national and international faculty.
