Holy Grace Academy, Mala, organized a one-day workshop on Neuro-Developmental Disorders (NDDs) and their management, led by Dr. Sethu Wariyar, a senior pediatric consultant specializing in childhood disability and rehabilitation. The workshop aimed to educate parents and school teachers on understanding and managing NDDs effectively to support the holistic development of neurodivergent children.

The day was divided into two focused sessions: a forenoon session for parents and an afternoon session for school teachers.

Forenoon Session: Management of Children with NDDs (For Parents)
The forenoon session was attended by parents, where Dr. Sethu Wariyar explored into practical strategies for managing children with NDDs at home.

Key Highlights:

1. Understanding Neuro-Developmental Disorders:
Dr. Sethu Wariyar explained various types of NDDs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Learning Disabilities, and Sensory Processing Disorders. He emphasized the importance of early identification and intervention.

2. Management Strategies for Parents:
Building Routine: Establishing consistent routines to create a structured environment for children.
Positive Behaviour Reinforcement: Encouraging desirable behaviors through praise and rewards.
Effective Communication: Adapting communication techniques to suit the child’s needs, including verbal and non-verbal methods.

3. Parent-Child Interaction:
Dr. Sethu Wariyar emphasized the role of empathy and patience in understanding the child’s unique perspective, fostering a nurturing and supportive relationship.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion where parents shared their experiences and received personalized guidance from Dr. Sethu Wariyar.

Afternoon Session: Supporting Neurodivergent Children in Classrooms (For Teachers)
The afternoon session focused on empowering school teachers to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment for neurodivergent students.

Key Highlights:

1. Identifying NDDs in the Classroom:
Dr. Sethu Wariyar guided teachers on recognizing signs of NDDs, such as difficulties in attention, communication, and sensory processing, to ensure timely support.

2. Inclusive Teaching Practices:
Dr. Sethu Wariyar explained on how to modify teaching methods to cater to diverse learning needs. He also explained on how effective is using visual aids like charts, flashcards, and schedules to enhance comprehension. He emphasised on implementing alternative evaluation methods to acknowledge students’ strengths.

3. Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment:
Teachers were encouraged to foster a safe and accommodating space, reducing sensory triggers and promoting peer acceptance.

Conclusion
The workshop was a significant step toward promoting awareness and inclusion for children with NDDs. Dr. Sethu Wariyar’s expertise and insightful strategies empowered both parents and teachers to better support neurodivergent children in their respective roles.
Holy Grace Academy’s initiative to host this workshop reflects its commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment and supporting children with diverse needs.

Following this the participation of the workshop has requested further follow-ups and similar sessions to enrich their understanding about parenting as well as relationship between teachers and students for future establishment of good practise.

The Edakkara Palliative Clinic recently conducted a comprehensive volunteer training program on palliative care, empowering 19 selected women from the Edakkara village. The participants included homemakers, ASHA workers, and students, representing a diverse group of community members.

The training program covered a range of essential topics, with a dedicated session on mental health. This session was facilitated by Mr. Jayaprakash Narayanan, a mental health worker from MHAT. The primary objective of the mental health session was to raise awareness about mental health issues, including recognizing the signs of mental illness and understanding how volunteers can provide support.

The session provided practical insights and actionable guidance, equipping participants with the knowledge to address mental health concerns effectively in their community.

Facilitator: Mr. Sajan Raghavan

Coordiantor: Ms. Izza Hasoon

Participants: 1st year students (Batch 1 – 37, Batch 2 – 27)

The workshop session, “Understanding Stress and Building Resilience,” was conducted by Mr. Sajan Raghavan, Director of Digital Transformation at MHAT, with a focus on exploring stress, its types, and the different stressors in the lives of architecture students. This session aimed to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical strategies for managing stress effectively.

Mr. Sajan began by introducing the concept of stress, explaining its various types, and prompting students to reflect on what stress means to them personally. He then facilitated a discussion centered on the unique stressors faced by architecture students, encouraging participants to share their experiences and perspectives. This open dialogue allowed students to connect and relate to each other’s experiences.

Following the discussion, students were divided into five groups and assigned activities designed to deepen their understanding. Each group prepared a presentation on different types of stress and various management strategies. The group activities enabled students to collaboratively identify stress factors and practical solutions for managing workload and promoting teamwork.

Workshop Objectives:

1. To help students gain a clearer understanding of stress and its various forms.
2. To enable students to identify their personal stressors, especially those associated with their academic workload as architecture students.
3. To introduce students to techniques and strategies for managing stress effectively, with a focus on practical applications.

Workshop on Core Skills for Youth at KMCT Group of Institutions, facilitated by MHAT
On 22 Mar 2022, Mr Sajan Raghavan, Director of Digital Transformation at Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT), conducted a workshop on Core Skills for students at KMCT Group of Institutions. The workshop took place at the Corporate Office in Elathur, Kozhikode, and was attended by about 100 students from various semesters of the B.Pharm course. The welcome address was delivered by Muhammed Sajad C, Psychologist at KMCT Group of Institutions.

The session began with a thorough examination of the responses gathered from the pre-workshop survey from which patterns emerged regarding the career options students were considering for their next move, as well as the necessary skills for success in these.

Consequently, the core skills of Goal Setting, Time Management, and Communication Skills were prioritized. The workshop emphasized interaction and activities, covering concepts such as the Journey of Competence, the Wheel of Life, Smart Goals, and the Urgent vs. Important matrix, among other topics.

A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sujith Varma, the Principal of the institution. He highlighted the value of the intervention for the students and emphasized the importance of applying the concepts learned in real life.

The first training session in soap and cover making at Puthenvelikkara Clinic was a resounding success, with a total of 10 individuals, including both clients and caregivers, actively participating. It was heartening to witness such enthusiastic engagement from our community members.

During the training, 5 individuals showed remarkable potential for livelihood promotion through their newfound skills. This promising outcome not only highlights the effectiveness of the training but also underscores the transformative impact it can have on the lives of participants.

Going forward, we are filled with optimism as we plan for the second round of training, which will cater to those who were unable to participate  in the initial session. By extending this opportunity to more individuals within the community, we aim to further empower them with valuable skills and avenues for economic independence.

Following the training, a meeting was convened with our community partners, volunteers, and friends of the community clinic in Puthenvelikkara. This gathering provided a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

In celebration of World Mental Health Day, MHAT organized a workshop dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness among local residents and volunteers. This informative event took place at MSS School, Ponnani, in collaboration with the East Zone of MIP.

The program, co-facilitated by Dr. Manoj Kumar and Dr. Rekha P from MHAT, garnered significant attendance from community members. Moreover, the engaging Q&A session that followed underscored the ongoing importance of promoting and nurturing emotional resilience.

MHAT conducted a Training for 20 Volunteers of Nellanad, Trivandrum wherein they were oriented to mental health and the roles of community mental health volunteers.
The sessions were done by Dr.Manoj Kumar, Ms.Sona KN, Ms.Safiya and Dr.Meena.
The final session of this four-weekend program was held on Monday the 14th of Aug 2023 after which Distribution of certificates was done by the Panchayath President.

The success of the program was very evident from the feedback of the participants.
This model of training is seen as a replaceable one for future volunteer training programs in other clinics.

MFSG at Thalassery MHATs first multiple family support group meeting was at Thalassery Snehatheeram clinic for the families of patients on the 01st of Aug 2023.

Thanking Kairali TV for selecting him for the Kairali TV Doctors Award, Dr. T. Manoj Kumar. For the award from the social service sector, Dr. T Manoj Kumar deserved it. Manoj Kumar said that rather than an award given to an individual, I see this as a great recognition for the social mental health project and the public mental health sector.
Read the complete article here: https://www.kairalinewsonline.com/doctor-t-manoj-kumar-reaction-after-he-got-kairali-award

A new community clinic started operations on July 20th, 2023. The Clinic referred to as SAF Edavanakkad operates in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. The Clinic aims to aspire to the SAMAGRAM ideal, which means, in addition to looking at the mental health needs of those with an illness, the Clinic will proactively endeavour to introduce and run preventive interventions aimed at emotional wellness of the community.

MHAT is in the process of conducting a study of the Aaralam Tribal Resettlement area in Kannur with a view to responding to the Scheduled Tribes Development Department’s (STDD) request for a proposal for running mental health interventions in the area. MHAT aims to propose, among other things, viable livelihood which can significantly positively impact the lives of members of the community. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Tribal Department has expressed its willingness to support.

Following the successful completion of our first year in September 2022, MHATs proposal to extend the Elamblassery Programme was recently approved by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department (STDD). This years plan includes, more active involvement in livelihood interventions and expansion to the two additional hamlets of Mednampara & Pinavoorkudi.