On June 11, 2023, an impactful event took place at HELP University, where individuals gathered to participate in a Psychological First Aid (PFA) training program. In an increasingly challenging world, PFA training has emerged as a crucial tool for supporting mental well-being. Thus, the National Coalition for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW), in collaboration with Mind Matters Network (MMN), HELP University, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM), and Rotary Malaysia, organized this event with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of PFA and equipping individuals with the necessary tools to provide immediate support during times of crisis. The event saw an enthusiastic turnout with 30 attendees, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of PFA and the desire to contribute to community resilience. The event encompassed a seven-hour program with the following key sessions:

1. Introduction to PFA in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous (VUCA) world:

The event commenced with an informative introduction, providing an overview of the challenges of VUCA and the importance of employing PFA to address them.

Speaker: Dr. Yeo Pei Li, Registered Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor, and certified HRDC trainer.

2. PFA 1: Focusing on Distress and Crisis Communication Techniques:

Engaging in interactive role-playing scenarios, attendees had the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills of recognizing early warning signs, initiating mental health conversations, and referring affected individuals to appropriate help. This knowledge enhanced attendees’ ability to approach and interact with individuals experiencing distress and offer support.

Speaker: Dr. Nagiah Ramasamy, Retired Associate Professor, Sunway University.

3. Depression and Suicidal Ideation:

The talk addressed the complexities surrounding depression and suicidal ideation, shedding light on their impact and the importance of open conversations, and recognizing the signs. It emphasized the need for support and breaking the silence, leaving the attendees with a greater understanding and awareness of this topic.

Speaker: Professor Dato’ Dr. Andrew Mohanraji, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Mental Health Development Advisor.

4. Strategies in Engaging Youth in Mental Health Initiatives:

Encouraging youth involvement in mental health initiatives and strategies to tackle the distinct mental health challenges faced by youth were emphasized in this talk. Attendees were left motivated and eager to reach out and support youths more.

Speaker: Dr. Anne Jamaludin, Senior Lecturer, HELP University.

5. PFA 2: Focusing on Self-Care and Team Support:

This talk highlighted that prioritizing self-care is paramount for a psychological first aider as nurturing themselves ensures they have the resilience, capacity, and effectiveness to provide optimal support to those in need. Attendees were enlightened with tips and exercises on ways to de-stress and take care of their own mental health.

Speaker: Arisha Alexx Arifin, Corporate Trainer, and Hypnotherapist.

6. Self-Reflection and Assessment Session/Closing Remarks:

The event concluded with a self-assessment and reflection session, providing participants the opportunity to seek clarifications and share their insights. Closing remarks focused on the significance of PFA training and encouraged attendees to make a positive difference in the realm of mental health.

Throughout the event, the participants gained invaluable insights into the importance of PFA training and its impact on community well-being. The trainers of the event also observed the transformative nature of the program, witnessing participants develop bright ideas as well as increased capability and potential in providing psychological support. The members of MMN also had the opportunity to hand out five sets of our handbook on Youth Mental Health in Malaysia to each attendee, enabling further distribution to other institutions, organizations, and workplaces.

Overall, it can be said that the PFA training event successfully equipped a diverse group of attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide immediate emotional support during crises. Through the collaboration of dedicated organizers and the active participation of numerous individuals, the event contributed to building stronger and more compassionate communities.