PENANG Care (PgCare) Society is now focusing more on mental well-being – two years after it was first established to assist families and individuals who have been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
PgCare Society chairman Dr Ngoo Seong Boon said the society is a platform which combines the strength of non-governmental organisations, industry associations, and professionals, to work with the state government to provide support and services to the community in need.
Currently, the society has 30 association members.
“We have recently launched a mental health initiative called the ‘Project ASAP’ to promote mental wellness.
“Project ASAP focuses on four key strategies, namely, Awareness, Support, Analyse, and Prevention.
“The objective of the project is to create mental health awareness, provide emotional support, analyse major areas of concern, and educate the public to prevent cases from becoming critical,” he said.
Last month, PgCare Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Plus Vibes (M) Sdn Bhd (PlusVibes) to collaborate on conducting mental health initiatives in Penang. It was reported that PlusVibes has supported 40,000 people and assisted 900 suicide ideations in the past two years since its establishment.
Dr Ngoo said it is crucial for the community to take mental well-being seriously.
“We are seeing more suicide or attempted suicide cases happening which involve teenagers, and many are related to mental well-being.
“We have spoken to the school principals and teachers, and we understand that many students have chosen not to go back to school post-Covid-19 pandemic. Some students are finding it hard to catch up, while others are struggling to blend with society.
“That is why we are aiming at supporting mental wellness for those in need, especially the younger generation, aged 14 to 25.
“Besides that, we are also planning to organise the ‘Mental Health First Aid’, an awareness and training programme for corporate members and school counsellors,” Dr Ngoo said.
PgCare Society deputy chairman Chong Soon Kheng said PgCare Society plays a crucial role in leveraging the available resources to benefit the community.
“We welcome more associations and professionals to utilise our platform.
“We want to avoid duplication of available resources. Our society members complement each other so that we can reach out to more people in need,” Chong said.
PgCare Society visited Buletin Mutiara at its office in Komtar today in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
Those present were Dr Ngoo, Chong, secretary Cefinny Teh, treasurer S.P. Keng, and committee member Felix Chuah Gim Chuan.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis