On October 1st, 2022, the Youth and Sports, Health and Education Committees hosted a Mental Health Day for the Ismaili students studying at the Asian University for Women in Chittagong. The group comprised twenty-three Afghani and Syrian girls. The session was hosted by Ms. Farin Daulah, of One Circle, which provides life skills education focusing on social and emotional aspects of learning across Bangladesh. Alongside One Circle, Farin is also a Mental Health practitioner and is the author of the children’s book series, Tara and Joy. During the session, Ms. Farin spoke to the students about understanding and managing their emotions as they navigate their academic lives, away from their families. Ms. Farin led various activities, including recognizing specific emotions in impulse reactions and understanding the root cause of such reactions. Additionally, the students also learned how to recognize and deal with panic attacks and anxiety attacks, in themselves and their friends. The session ended with a brief discussion on identifying suicide ideation and reaching out to the appropriate resources for help. At the end, the students were introduced to the group of volunteers who have been trained in mental health first aid, to be able to reach out to them as and when required. After the meeting, the students were allowed to schedule a one-on-one session with Ms. Farin to further discuss any mental health-related issues. The day ended with an open-ended discussion and lunch.

Following the mental health day, on November 4^th, 2022 yet another program was hosted in the age group of 10 to 30 years. The program was titled “Celebrate Life” at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre. The session started with an introductory open discussion conducted by Dr. Ashiq Selim, Managing Director of PHWC and a Lead Psychiatrist. This presentation was very well received and gave a good start to the day. Along with healthy discussion, there was a Yoga session, which got all the participants energized, relaxed, and at ease. This was followed by a presentation on “Coping Strategies. “To address the objectives of the program, an activity was done namely, ‘Chinese Whispers.’ The group thoroughly enjoyed this session. One of the last activities of the day was,’ art for relaxation.’ After the session, a raffle draw was conducted for all the participants. Post the group photo session, lunch was served.

To continue with celebrating life theme, on the 2^nd of December another program was organized at the Ismaili Jamat Khana and Centre for members of the Jamat aged 30 to 50 years. The objectives of the program were to manage stress and emotions, be a role model for children, identify mental health issues within the family and how to handle/resolve them, become good listeners/mindful and appreciation of self and one’s surroundings. Ms. Farin Khan conducted the program. The session was interesting, engaging, and motivating. Members of the audience participated enthusiastically throughout the program. At the end of the program, the participants did not feel like leaving. The session concluded with a raffle draw. A big thank you to all those who donated the gifts for the raffle draw. Promotional material sent by mental health professionals were displayed outside the hall. Some participants availed the opportunity and took some of the brochures. Ms. Farin Khan addressed all the objectives, which she was given. After the program, lunch boxes were distributed in takeaway boxes to all present.

Lastly to conclude the health session of the theme celebrating life, a program was organized on February 3^rd, 2023 for members of the Jamat age group 51 and above. It was an online session conducted by MS Habiba Jetha, an Executive Officer, and Alwaeza Huzur Mukhiyani, Counsellor and Psychotherapist.

This program concluded all the other programs that had taken before which had the objective of dealing with loneliness for such age group which is so important. Maintaining cordial family relationships and socializing with friends and the surrounding people becomes a challenge for them because of the generational gap which should be highlighted the most. Sharing your skills, time and knowledge can help them to be a Role Model for the people and children around them. Appreciating own self and others and having a positive outlook is the most important thing to celebrate in life.