Access Bangladesh Foundation has concluded a three-day training program on mental health first response in Savar, aimed at building a community-based support system to address growing mental health needs in Bangladesh.
The training, held from Friday to Sunday with support from The Khan Foundation under Project IGNITE, brought together 25 participants from different sectors, including Union Parishad members, representatives of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), caregivers, school teachers, community representatives, students with disabilities and other stakeholders.
According to organizers, the initiative was designed to equip community members with basic skills to recognize mental health concerns, provide initial support and connect individuals with professional services when needed.
Bangladesh continues to face a shortage of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, counsellors and social workers, making community-based response mechanisms increasingly important.
Citing the National Mental Health Survey of Bangladesh 2018-19, organizers said around 18.7% of people in the country are affected by mental health conditions.
The opening session was attended by Irrtaza Hossain, project officer of The Khan Foundation, who highlighted the relevance of the initiative and appreciated the commitment of participants and organizers.
Training sessions were facilitated by Albert Mollah, executive director of Access Bangladesh Foundation, and Taslim Zahan, inclusion lead of the organization.
Participants received orientation on key topics including mental health awareness, depression, anxiety, suicide prevention and psychosocial support.
Through interactive discussions, group work and practical exercises, attendees learned how to identify early signs of mental distress, provide immediate support and refer individuals to appropriate services.
On the final day, KM Shahiduzzaman, upazila social services officer of Savar, attended the closing ceremony as special guest.
He praised the initiative and encouraged participants to use their new knowledge in their communities while helping reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The program ended with a certificate distribution ceremony.
Participants said the training helped correct several misconceptions about mental health and expressed willingness to apply their learning responsibly in community settings.
Access Bangladesh Foundation said such initiatives are important for strengthening community resilience, increasing awareness and promoting a more inclusive and supportive society.
