THE Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on mental health.
Building upon World Mental Health Month in Oct, the Suria KLCC Group of malls will be shedding light on how people can manage their psychological well-being in simple yet holistic ways.
To achieve its aims, Suria KLCC is partnering with the Malaysian Mental Health Association, Befrienders KL, RELATE and the Green Ribbon Group as well as the Ministry of Health, on top of launching a fundraising initiative through the sale of the "Suria Ribbon Pin".
"We want to create and build a safe space in Suria KLCC as a platform for the community to converge and discuss mental health," says Suria KLCC Group executive director, Andrew Brien.
Running from now until Dec 8, Safe Space @ Suria KLCC will be a platform to promote engaging activities in relation to mental health. It will be located at Level 1, Ampang Mall from 10am to 10pm daily.
At this Safe Space, the public can learn more about mental health from selected NGOs in a welcoming atmosphere. The Safe Space will also showcase the work of these NGOs.
Activities such as workshops, talks and panel discussions by mental health professionals will also be held to enhance knowledge among the public.
The welcoming Safe Space will be filled with an educational gallery on mental health – an exhibit of information such as background, statistics and lived experience stories. With this, it is hoped that members of the public will be introduced to the range of mental health services available in the country, on top of knowing when and where to seek help.
As part of fundraising to support mental health-related causes, the mall will also be selling its Suria Ribbon Pin at RM10 each.
Malaysian Mental Health Association president, and policy advisor to the Green Ribbon Group, Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj says it is important to continuously educate people in Malaysia about mental health because most tend to stigmatise it.
Proper education is important in finding solutions to mental health issues.