The Access Bangladesh Foundation successfully concluded a 3-day “Training on Mental Health First Response,” held from April 24–26 in Savar, Dhaka, with the support of The Khan Foundation under Project IGNITE.
According to the National Mental Health Survey of Bangladesh 2018–19, 18.7% of people in Bangladesh are affected by mental health conditions. However, there remains a significant shortage of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers. In this context, the importance of developing community-based mental health first responders to provide primary support is undeniable.
The training was designed to establish a sustainable, community-based mental health support system by equipping interested community members as mental health first responders. The program aims to raise awareness on mental health issues, provide initial support, and create vital linkages with professional counselors and psychiatrists, ultimately reducing the burden of mental health challenges within communities.
The opening ceremony featured Irrtaza Hossain, Project Officer, The Khan Foundation, who emphasized the relevance and timeliness of the initiative and expressed appreciation to Access Bangladesh Foundation and the participants for their commitment.
The training brought together 25 participants from diverse backgrounds, including Union Parishad (UP) members, members of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), caregivers, school teachers, community representatives, students with disabilities, and other relevant stakeholders. This diversity ensured inclusive learning and meaningful exchange of experiences.
The sessions were facilitated by Albert Mollah, Executive Director, and Taslim Zahan, Inclusion Lead of Access Bangladesh Foundation. As trained mental health first aid trainers, they guided participants through key topics such as mental health awareness, depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, and psychosocial support. Through interactive sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises, participants developed skills to identify early signs of mental distress, provide initial support, and refer individuals to appropriate services.
On the final day, K M Shahiduzzaman, Upazila Social Services Officer from Savar, attended the closing session as a special guest. He appreciated the initiative and encouraged participants to apply their learning in their communities while promoting awareness and reducing stigma around mental health.
The training concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony. Participants shared that many of their previous misconceptions about mental health were addressed during the training and expressed their commitment to applying their knowledge responsibly.
Access Bangladesh Foundation believes that such initiatives are essential for strengthening community resilience, promoting mental health awareness, and building a more inclusive and supportive society.
