IN conjunction with World Mental Health Day, D’Home Mental Health Association, in collaboration with the Penang Health Department (JKN), will hold another community programme on Oct 17, from 8am to 4pm at New World Park.
The event, titled ‘Resilient Minds, Healthy Family’ is expected to attract about 700 participants and will take an intergenerational, community-based approach to mental health.
D’Home WHMD Organising Committee 2026 advisor Baby Goh said the programme would feature various activities, including Zumba, yoga, performances, community booths and children’s activities, providing opportunities for conversation, connection and access to appropriate support from NGO’s.
“Like most mental health non-governmental organisations in Penang, D’Home organises various activities for its clients and caregivers,” Goh told Buletin Mutiara in an interview.
“As an NGO, we are thankful for the support of volunteers, including counsellors and clinical psychologists.
“We have been here for 22 years, and our services are always free of charge. Even the counsellors and clinical psychologists volunteer their services.”
D’Home WMHD 2026 programme and project management lead Sarah Tang said the event has been planned to reach a wider and more diverse audience.
“During a brainstorming session, we decided to do things differently by reaching out to a more diverse crowd rather than focusing on a particular group,” Tang said.
“The event will bring together children, young people, parents, families, adults, educators, healthcare professionals, community partners, and NGO’s providing opportunities for members of the public to move, learn, experience, connect and celebrate as well as to listen, care, and act. ”
From 1pm to 2pm, a forum titled “When to Worry, When to Wait” will focus on the mental health of children and young people.
The session will feature three panellists — Dr Peter Sathiyanathan, Datuk Prof Dr See Ching Mey and Dr Wong Yim Chan — with Datuk Dr Florance Sinniah as moderator. They will discuss topics such as recognising potential warning signs, building support systems and knowing when to seek further help.
Participants will gain insights from the three professionals in family medicine, educational and counselling psychology, and child and adolescent psychiatry.
The programme will also include a blood donation drive from 9am to 1pm and health screenings from 9am to 4pm.
Another key feature is Children’s World, a dedicated space where children can express their feelings through drawings and use their artwork as a starting point for conversations with their families.
“When children attend with their families, they can tell their stories through drawings and share them with their parents. This can also open the way for parents to continue the conversation with their children at home,” Tang said.
Additionally the event will offer mindfulness and wellbeing activities, where attendees can pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves.
Tang said kindergartens and colleges had expressed interest in participating in the event and providing volunteers.
Visitors can also take part in a lucky draw. Those who visit five booths will be eligible for a chance to win prizes.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen is expected to attend and officiate the programme.
D’Home has received more than 500 pre-registrations, exceeding its initial expectation of more than 300. Admission to the programme is free.
Story and pix by Ammar Mikhail Aamer