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One day workshop on “Mental Health Awareness and Prevention of Substance Abuse” was held at Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Cluster University Srinagar* under the slogan of Nasha Mukht Bharat.
Srinagar April 29, 2023: HELP Foundation J&K/KASHMER in collaboration with Institute of Advanced studies in Education, Cluster University Srinagar held one day workshop on “Importance of Mental Health and Prevention of Substance Abuse” at Govt College of Education MA Road Srinagar. Program was inaugurated by the principal of GCE Prof Dr. Seema Naz. In her opening remarks she highlighted the importance of holding such awareness sessions in every educational institution in the country to promote Nasha Mukht Bharat concept of Govt. of India. Dr Syed Riyaz Ahmed, Project Manager KASHMER highlighted various healthcare related projects undergoing in the valley in collaboration with HELP Foundation K&K and Help Poor Voluntary Trust. Dr Nahida Nazir member Board of Directors KASHMER highlighted conceptualization of KASHMER by expat kashmiri healthcare professionals with the aim of strenghhening the chain of healthcare system in the valley by supporting various healthcare related initiatives. Dr Muzaffar Ahmed Khan, consultant clinical psychologist and Director YDRC, Ms Uzma Sami, counsellor at Healthy Minds touched different aspects of intricate relation between psychosocial aspects of well being and substance abuse. Expanding screening and preventive clinical services to the grass roots at community level was emphasized and highly supported by audiance. Besides lauding the efforts of Govt in breaking supply & demand chain, and establishing detoxification and counselling facilities, role of parents, teachers and community leaders was recognised as very essential resource to address the prevention of substance abuse at community level. An interactive group session titled “Self Harm” was also held by Ms Sumaira Sufi , Senior Counsellor and team leader at Healthy Minds, involving teaching staff and non teaching staff of the institution to empower the beneficiaries about causes, implications and prevention of self harm.
Dr Syed Hanif Balki, ex Add Dy Commissioner Srinagar in his concluding remarks highlighted various initiatives taken by Govt in establishing substance free society and utilisation of existing resources and facilities to help curb the drug menace. He also stressed upon broader community involvement to help achieve the desired goal. Event concluded by strong pledge of the audiance to enhance awareness at family & community level and spread the massage to general masses.
