A special centre for mental health and wellbeing, especially for youth, has been opened in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi.
The 'Manas Hub', an initiative led by the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, was officially inaugurated by the city's Mayor Mohamed Athif and Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives David Jessup.
The Kulhudhuffushi Council said that this is an important milestone under their strategic action plan to establish a comprehensive space to provide mental health support and resources for adolescents and youth.
As opposed to a general clinic or hospital environment, Manas Hub is developed to provide preventive support for mental health, the council said.
The hub is modelled on providing mental health care and support ahead proactively, with the aim of preventing mental health emergencies and risk. The hub aims to establish a safe environment where anyone can easily access mental health and wellbeing support, organize health and wellbeing activities with wide participation, and to offer referrals and arrange further care where needed.
The hub was established after extensive discussions with stakeholders. Technical assistance was also received from Australia's 'Headspace' in designing the hub. The council further said that through discussions, priority was placed on adapting the hub's services to best fit the social environment of Kulhudhuffushi.
"The long-term goal of this project is to build an exemplary mental health wellbeing model for the entire North region through Manas Hub," the council stated.
Main services available at Manas Hub include:
Phase 1 (October 10 to December end)
- Psychoeducation and sessions: stress management, skills for overcoming psychological challenges, mental health awareness sessions
- Career guidance and stress management: series of sessions on stress management, emotional resilience, and career guidance
- Board games and entertainment activities: Recreational activities promoting social ties in a safe, amiable environment
Phase 2 (January onwards)
- Clinical psychologist services: initial screening and provision of referrals where further care is deemed necessary
- Digital mental health screening: screening to gauge mental health wellbeing
- Private consultation room: consultation rooms for sessions with clinical psychologists, volunteer experts and professionals
- Volunteer peer support: connecting youth with professional volunteers with training in various fields
