‘Building robust support framework must for young minds’

Srinagar, Nov 11: A significant one-day conference dedicated to advancing child Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Kashmir will be held on November 13 at SKICC.

The event is a gathering of distinguished experts, policymakers, and community leaders to address the pressing need for mental health resources and support for children and adolescents in the region.

Titled 'One Day Conference on Child Mental Health and Psychosocial Support,' the conference is being organised by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), GMC Srinagar, with support from UNICEF India. This event underscores the importance of building a robust support framework for young minds, with a particular focus on integrating mental health in education and community systems.

The conference will feature three insightful technical sessions aimed at fostering a comprehensive approach to child mental health. The first session, ‘Holistic Health: Integrating Child Mental Health in Educational Systems and Other Curricula,’ will explore how mental health concepts can be woven into the educational fabric, allowing students to access support and coping skills within the classroom. This approach highlights the role of schools as safe spaces where mental well-being is nurtured alongside academic learning.

The second session, ‘Building a Community-Based Mental Health Support Network,’ will discuss the crucial role that communities play in supporting children’s mental health. This session will focus on empowering local communities to provide accessible, culturally sensitive support networks, which are instrumental in addressing and preventing mental health crises.

The third session will cover ‘POSCO and Child Mental Health,’ focusing on the implications of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POSCO) Act and how it intersects with mental health needs. This session is especially relevant in light of the unique challenges faced by children in a fast-changing society.

The event will bring together notable dignitaries, including Minister of Health and Education, Sakeena Masood (Itoo); Administrative Secretary, of Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; and Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF India, Soledad Herrero. In addition to the sessions, the conference will see the release of the Biennial Report 2022-2023, “Strengthening MHPSS Mechanisms through Effective Delivery of Tertiary and Community-Based Services to Improve Child and Adolescent Well-Being in Kashmir.” This report highlights achievements in the implementation of MHPSS programs across the districts of Kashmir and Ladakh, presenting findings and recommendations that emphasize the need for sustained, community-embedded support.

Given the recent global focus on mental health, especially in post-pandemic settings, and in Kashmir, given the inherited trauma and concerns about physical safety, this conference represents a timely and critical platform. Establishing a robust mental health support system for children is essential in Kashmir, where children face unique stressors, pressures and social set-up, plus the rising threat of substance abuse.