STATE Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi emphasised the importance of working together as a community to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those facing mental health challenges.
Gooi also stressed the pressing need of dismantling the stigma around mental health, an effort that everyone needs to contribute to.
“Stigma prevents individuals from seeking help and makes them feel ashamed and isolated.
“It is our collective responsibility to foster an environment of understanding and empathy, where individuals feel safe and supported in seeking the assistance they need.
“Isolation, fear, and uncertainty have become part of our daily lives, making the work of Befrienders Penang even more crucial,” Gooi said when he attended the Befrienders Penang 47th Annual General Meeting at G Hotel Kelawai on March 2.
Gooi also said that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health.
“Your volunteers offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and invaluable support to those who are struggling to cope with life’s challenges.
“It is a privilege to address such a dedicated and compassionate group of individuals who are at the forefront of supporting mental health in our community.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the remarkable team at Befrienders Penang as your commitment, compassion, and dedication to supporting those in need are truly commendable.
“In a world where mental health struggles often go unnoticed, your organisation serves as a beacon of hope and a lifeline for individuals experiencing emotional distress,” he added.
During the event, Gooi announced a contribution of RM10,000 from the state government to Befrienders Penang.
“Last Thursday (Feb 22), we just had our first Penang State Mental Health Committee meeting to discuss the mental health issues in Penang and how we can collectively be more effective in managing them.
“We had representatives from across the NGOs, including Befrienders Penang, Health Ministry, Youth Ministry, Education Ministry, Fire & Rescue Department, and Police.
“It is through collaboration and a shared commitment that we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges,” Gooi said.
It is learned that at the moment, four NGOs have joined the committee, namely Befrienders Penang, Women’s Centre for Change (WCC), D’Home Mental Health Association, and I-Life Suicide Prevention Association.
“We welcome more NGOs to join the committee to contribute to rectifying the mental issues in Penang,” Gooi, who is also the Padang Lalang assemblyman, said.
Befrienders Penang patron Tan Lean Kee, who is also the wife of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, hoped that the Penang Befrienders would strongly send the message that ‘it is okay to feel not okay’ during their outreach programmes.
“It is important to convey the message of ‘it is okay to feel not okay’ especially, among the youth at colleges, universities, schools, and even among primary school and preschool children.
“The youngsters are our future, so we need to build high resilience among them.
“There is also a need to reach out to the workforce. I hope that YB Daniel would make the mental health well-being of Penangites, his priority,” Tan added.
Ivan Ho, the Penang Befrienders chairman, shared that efforts to publicise Befrienders’ services are currently ongoing.
“We intend to create more awareness about the existence of Befrienders through advertisements on public buses and even by sending leaflets through food riders.
“Another effort involves screening a 5-second advertisement on Befrienders in cinemas, predominantly targeting the youth.
Furthermore, Ho shared that based on observations, the majority of individuals expressing suicidal thoughts, either through calls or texts, fall within the age range of 19 to 21 years old.
Penang Befrienders can be contacted via its hotline at 04-291 0100 or Whatsapp at 011-5670 6261 or by email at [email protected].
For further information on the organisation, log onto www.befpen.org.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter