The Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF), in collaboration with the Indian Ladies Association (ILA), recently organized a gatekeeper training workshop in Bahrain. The workshop, held on July 19, 2024, is part of a series of events planned during the Silver Jubilee year. The training, known as ICRF-LIFE (Listen, Involve, Foster, Engage), aims to educate participants on identifying individuals at risk of suicide, provide intervention skills, and raise awareness about available resources for help. The session was led by Dr. Anisha Abraham, a clinical psychologist from Child Foundation Centre, and Dr. Surabhila Pattali, a learning and development facilitator from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, with moderation by ICRF Chairman Dr. Babu Ramachandran. Approximately 50 participants, including executive members of various associations, attended the training at the ILA premises in Zinj.
The focus of the gatekeeper training workshop was on suicide prevention and mental health support. Participants learned how to recognize signs of suicidal behavior, intervene effectively, and provide appropriate support to individuals in crisis. Dr. Anisha Abraham and Dr. Surabhila Pattali shared their expertise in the field, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for dealing with such sensitive situations. The workshop aimed to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to help those in need and foster a supportive community environment where mental health issues are openly discussed and addressed.
The training workshop was a part of ICRF’s ongoing efforts to empower individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them. By providing participants with the tools and resources needed to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide, ICRF and ILA are working towards creating a more informed and compassionate community. The session encouraged open communication about mental health issues and emphasized the importance of early intervention and support in preventing tragedies. Through education and awareness, the organizations hope to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
Dr. Anisha Abraham and Dr. Surabhila Pattali, with their extensive experience in psychology and training, shared valuable insights and practical strategies with the participants to equip them with the skills needed to address suicide prevention and mental health support effectively. The workshop served as a platform for learning, sharing experiences, and building a network of individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of others. By fostering a community of gatekeepers who are vigilant, compassionate, and proactive, ICRF and ILA are working towards creating a culture of care and support for mental health in Bahrain.
The gatekeeper training workshop marks a significant step towards creating a more resilient and empathetic community in Bahrain. By empowering individuals to identify and respond to signs of suicidal behavior, the workshop aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about emotional well-being. Through education, training, and collaboration, ICRF and ILA are paving the way for a more supportive and inclusive society where individuals feel valued, understood, and supported in times of crisis. The workshop’s success lies in its ability to instill confidence, knowledge, and compassion in participants, empowering them to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Overall, the gatekeeper training workshop organized by ICRF and ILA in Bahrain serves as a testament to the organizations’ commitment to promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The session brought together a diverse group of individuals eager to learn, share, and contribute to the well-being of their community. By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide, the workshop has set the stage for a more compassionate and proactive approach to mental health support in Bahrain. Through continued education, training, and community engagement, ICRF and ILA are working towards creating a culture of care, empathy, and understanding towards mental health issues, setting a positive example for other organizations and individuals to follow.
