On the 27th of October 2023 marked as World Occupational Therapy Day, recognizing Occupational Therapists as crucial healthcare professionals specializing in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various conditions and disorders across all age groups. Occupational Therapists are the primary health-care professionals and it is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of Occupational Therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. The Akkara Foundation Centre for Child Development boasts a dedicated Occupational Therapy department with seven qualified therapists. To raise awareness about the vital role of Occupational Therapists and the significance of OT, we organized a special program during the grand opening of our Upgraded Occupational Therapy Department from 10 am to 10.45 am. The program included: ❖ Flash Mob (Performed by interns). ❖ Street Play (Addressing ADHD & ASD, highlighting the role of OT). ❖ Inauguration of the Upgraded OT Department, featuring Dr.Prakash.K.V (Junior Consultant, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, General Hospital, Kasaragod) inaugurated and cut the ribbon at 10:30 am. During the inauguration, Ms. Kowsalya (Senior Occupational Therapist) explained the role of OT in Hand Function Unit, Cognitive and perceptual Skills Unit, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Unit, and Splinting Unit to the chief guest, manager, central head, HOD’s, staffs, and parents. Following the inauguration, a heartfelt song was performed by a child (Master. Razeen). The inauguration program featured speeches by Ms. Vindhuja V Kumar (PRO), followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Jagadeesh. A (HOD – OT), Presidential address Mr. Mohammed Yasir (Manager), Felicitation by Mr. Jinil Raj J R (Central Head), Mr. Nikhil P C (HOD-PT), Mr. Mohammed Faris (HOD-Special Education), Ms. Amayachandran (Psychologist), Mrs. Jisna Laxman (HOD-SLP), Ms. Anjushree (Senior SLP), Mr. Moideen Poovadka (Palliative Leader) and Mrs. Pooja. K (Case Coordinator). The chief guest unveiled the Hand Function pamphlet, and refreshments, including buttermilk and vegetable salad, were served to all the parents, children, and staff. Finally, the Vote of Thanks was given by Ms. Kowsalya. M (Senior OT). The program concluded with feedback from the chief guest, a visit to the planting program, and photo sessions at the Photo Booth. By 11 am, group therapy sessions for parents and their kids commenced with various games, each game lasting approximately 40 minutes. Over 70+ parents and children participated in group games, followed by a talent show. Winners and runners received trophies, and a cake-cutting ceremony was gifted by other team professionals in the Akkara Foundation. A game session was organized for all staff members in Akkara Foundation, held from 5 pm to 5:45 pm. We extend our gratitude to the Akkara Foundation staff, parents, and children for their support in making this celebration a grand success

As part of mental health day awareness month a significant program was organized by Trainee social workers of Sree Sabareesa College with the guidance of Mr. Subin K, Project Coordinator of Akkara Foundation on 26th october 2023 at Govt. Women’s Home Paravanadukkam in the morning at 10.00am with the presence of esteemed individuals. It was jointly conducted by Akkara Foundation in association with Better Life Foundation.The programme was inaugurated by Smt.Shimna V, District Women & Child Development Officer, Kasaragod under the presidency of Smt. Valsamma, Superintendent of Govt. Women’s Home Paravanadukkam. She emphasized the importance of breaking the silence around menstruation and addressing mental health concerns.The event began with a warm welcome by Muhammad Yasir, Manager Akkara Foundation setting a positive tone for the session. The keynote speech delivered by Ms. Devi Parvathy, Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Public Administration and Policy Studies, Central University of Kerala. She highlighted the intersection of menstruation and mental health, shedding light on the challenges many individuals face and also the societal misconceptions. Mr. Mohandas Vayalamkuzhy, Founder of Better Life Foundation extended his gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and organizers, emphasizing the importance of continued awareness and support in these areas. The awareness session was headed by Ms. Sneha M, clinical psychologist, Akkara Foundation she provided valuable information, coping strategies, and support for those dealing with menstruation-related mental health issues. She gave short mindfulness techniques to the inmates for cope up with stress. Group of 9 inmates participated in the event. After the session the trainee social workers from Sree Sabareesa College Kottayam provided some leisure activities for the inmates to reduce mental stress.

On October 25th, A notable Mental health day programme was organised at Kumbadaje Panjayath Hall at 11:00AM. It was jointly hosted by the Akkara Foundation in collaboration with Kudumbashree , CDS Kumbadaje, with the aim of helping members of Harithakaramasena focus on stress management. The programme was co-ordinated by Trainee Social Workers of Sree Sabareesa college kottayam with the guidance of Subin K,project coordinator of Akkara Foundation. The program commenced at 11:00 a.m. and drew approximately 27 attendees. It commenced with a warm welcome by project coordinator Subin K. from Akkara Foundation. The program was officially inaugurated by Mr. Hameed P, the President of Kumbadaje Grama Panjayath. Elizabeth Crasta, the vice president of Kumbadaje Grama Panchayat, delivered the presidential address, and Ms. Roshni, the Chairperson of CDS Kumbadaje, extended felicitation. Ms. Jeemol Thomas, psychologist from Akkara Foundation, conducted a session on stress management techniques. The staff of Kumbadaje Grama Panchayat, along with members of Harithakaramasena, actively participated in this session, which encouraged open discussions about their emotions and provided insights into stress causes and management. The Interactive session proved to be highly effective, benefiting all participants. Subsequently, trainee social workers organized leisure activities to help attendees relax, which were enthusiastically participated in. These activities contributed to better of interpersonal relationships, and the participants greatly enjoyed the sessions. At the program’s conclusion, the staff of CDS and members of Harithakaramasena provided positive feedback, highlighting the success of the event.

 On the 21^st of October 2023,  Akkara Foundation organized a free disability screening camp at Padanna Community Health Center (CHC) for children under the age of 15 in Padanna Panchayat. The event, inaugurated by Mr. Muhammed Aslam P.V, Padanna Panchayat President, aimed to provide free disability screening services to the children. Operating from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, the camp saw the participation of around 25 dedicated members. The camp offered a comprehensive range of services, including assessments by psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, special education specialists, and speech therapists. It was conducted by social work interns of Akkara Foundation.  There were five interns, four social work interns and one psychology intern.  The psychology intern was assigned to take assessment of the children and the room was arranged by the rest of the social work interns. After that, each intern took various tasks, and one intern, the receptionist, others took the client to the psychology department and from there to other departments.  After that interns arranged meeting with clients and manager to inform about Akkara Foundation and Minions. The screening camp was conducted  with a team of highly skilled professionals, including Mr. Jinil Raj J.R, the head of the Centre for Child Development, who also a physiotherapist. Other professionals included Mr. Sulaiman, a physiotherapist, Mr. Muhammad Favas, a psychologist, Ms. Arathi, a psychology intern, Mr. Sam Rechard, an occupational therapist, and Ms. Fathima Leleya, a speech-language pathologist. Ms. Lisana, a special education therapist, played an integral role in the event. First the psychologist made the assignment and then the psychologist referred child to various department according to their problems. This initiative highlighted the significance of early detection and intervention in children with disabilities, emphasizing the community’s commitment to their well-being.

On October 20, 2023, a significant Mental Health Day program was organized at Govt. Fisheries ALP School Bekal. The event was orchestrated by a group of dedicated trainee social workers from Sree Sabareesa College, Kottayam under the guidance of Mr. Subin K project coordinator, Akkara foundation and had participation from various esteemed individuals including Smt. Shobana(Headmistress Govt.Fisheries ALP school), Smt. Shiny(ward member), Mr. Shaji(School PTA president). The program included , Art therapy session and Leisure activities for children and Life skill training session for teachers. Art Therapy Session for Children was Conducted by Jyothi Chandran, an experienced art teacher from Akkara Foundation.The session aimed to provide children with a creative outlet to express their feelings and emotions.Encouraged self-expression, creativity, and emotional well-being through art. Group of 34 students participated in the session. During the session, the students were engaged in drawing pictures. The purpose of this session was to provide a creative outlet for self-expression and emotional exploration for the students.The session was a meaningful and a successful experience for the students, allowing them to express themselves artistically and potentially find solace and catharsis in the process. Social work interns of Sree sabareesa college, Kottayam facilitated life skill training sessions for teachers.The training focused on enhancing teachers’ skills in addressing the mental health and emotional needs of students. Topics covered included stress management, effective communication, and emotional support techniques.Leisure games were organized to provide children with a fun and stress-free environment.Promoted physical activity, teamwork, and relaxation. Reinforced the importance of play and recreation in children’s mental health.

On 19 th October 2023, Akkara Foundation, Muliyar Kasaragod in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Dentistry and Paediatric Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental college Mangalore had conducted a paediatric dental camp for the children with special care. At 10.30Am the camp was started and patients were consulted the doctors in order to their token number. A qualified team gave fruitful services with well-furnished equipment’s and their mobile clinic facility. Around 35 Dental Doctors were there and 10 of them are specialised and they are provided treatment for the children in regarding with their medical conditions. The camp included oral health screening, one-to-one consultations with dentists, followed by treatments for needy children.  Also the procedures of dental screening, scaling (cleaning), fillings and teeth extractions were included in the camp. The parents, interns and staffs were also participated in the dental camp. Around 100 people were took part of the camp. On behalf of this camp an ‘oral health awareness program’ for parents of children with special need was accompanied. Almost 25 Parents were participated in this session. The class was informative and the parents became conscious of the dental problems, symptoms and their preventions. The entire programme was efficacious that provided adequate and high care treatment for the needy consultants, in some cases they were refer to the hospital with them admit card. The entire team of dental camp was satisfied with our hospitality and staff’s cooperation with them. The programme was wound up at 4.30Pm with refreshments.

The Akkara Foundation launched ten community programmes in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month with the goal of educating the public, offering assistance, and fostering mental health across a variety of ethnic communities. These initiatives, which targeted different societal groups, were implemented during the month of October. As part of it, the Akkara Foundation hosted an orientation session for GCK National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers to kick off their community programmes on 14th October 2023 at 11.30am. The purpose of the orientation was to familiarise the volunteers with the work of the Akkara Foundation and to offer them with information on community psychiatry and palliative care. The volunteers were given an instructive presentation by Mr. Jinil Raj, the Head of the Centre for Child Development, which introduced them to the Akkara Foundation. He talked about the goals of the organisation as well as the significance of community support and awareness of mental health issues.The Akkara Foundation’s programme coordinator, Mr. Subin K, took the podium to give a thorough explanation of community psychiatry and palliative care. He stressed the importance of community involvement in tackling mental health concerns as well as the comprehensive approach to patient care and also about the community programmes. After the orientation the town of Bovikanam witnessed a fascinating event named “Sanity 2k23” dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among public. The programme was conducted by Akkara Foundation in association with “Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti” Muliyar Unit and “Samyuktha Driver’s Union Bovikanam”. The “Sanity 2k23” event began with an energetic and synchronized flashmob performance by the GCK NSS volunteers. The flashmob engaged the audience and created an enthusiastic atmosphere, setting the tone for the rest of the event.Social work interns from Sree Sabareesa College from Kottayam and LISSAH College in Kozhikode took the stage for their mime presentation. Their performance, which used silent art to illustrate the difficulties and obstacles faced by people with mental health concerns, was incredibly moving and thought-provoking. The mime show did a good job of illustrating how important it is to show empathy, compassion, and support to people who are dealing with mental health issues. The performance had a profound emotional impact on the audience

Audiologists are the primary health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss and balance disorders in individuals of all ages from infants and teens to adults and the elderly. Akkara Foundation Centre for Child Development has a department of speech language pathology and has a total of 6 qualified audiologist and speech language pathologist. As part of giving awareness on the role of an audiologist, importance of hearing and how to protect hearing, a parental session and staff session was organized. Parental session was conducted on 8 th October, 2023 and staff session on 11 th October, 2023 for a duration of one hour each. 25+ parents and 40+ staffs took part in the session & shared as well as asked their doubts on hearing.

         A free hearing screening camp was also conducted for all the staffs and parents. A total 52 participants could be assessed and counseled in the given interval of time. Free screening camp started from 10:00 am and continued till 3:30 pm. Tests administered were immittance audiometer to evaluate middle ear pathology and pure tone audiometer to evaluate individuals’ hearing thresholds. Hearing sensitivity within normal limits, conductive hearing loss, presbicusis, and music induced hearing loss etc were the provisional diagnosis obtained. All the participants received counseling sessions on their audiological evaluation and a small token of love in the form of a card for giving importance for their hearing. We thanked all the staffs and parents of our organization for supporting and making this program a grand success. A cake cutting ceremony was gifted by other team professionals for both Audiologists and psychologist for celebrating audiologist day and mental health day simultaneously.

The Mental Health Day program held at Akkara Foundation Kasargod on October 10^th was a day of celebration, awareness, and support for mental health. The event was organized with the goal of promoting mental well-being and fostering a sense of community. The program commenced with a flashmob performed by social work and psychology interns. This dance performance set a lively and positive tone for the event, instantly captivating the audience. At 9:40 AM, staffs collectively pulled a symbolic banner, signifying their commitment to mental health awareness and support. At 11:00 AM, a new room for social skill training was inaugurated by Ms. Shiny Issac (Dist. Child Protection Officer, Kasaragod). This room was designed to stimulate creativity and nurture essential social skills, providing a welcoming space for children to develop and learn. A touching moment transpired when tokens of love were distributed to the parents. These tokens expressed gratitude and recognition for the parents of differently-abled children, acknowledging their strength and dedication. The next segment of the program was dedicated to parents, who engaged in enjoyable activities, including “Chocolate with String,” “Treasure Hunt,” and “Pyramid Cup.” These games promoted teamwork, laughter, and bonding. From 2:20 PM to 3:00 PM, a Joint Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) session was conducted for both staff and parents. This session aimed to alleviate stress, promote relaxation, and provide a moment of serenity for the participants. At 3.15 a mime performance titled “You Are Not Alone” was presented by social work interns. This silent act conveyed a message of hope, unity, and the importance of reaching out to those facing mental health challenges. The day concluded with a hypnotic therapy session from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The session lead by Mr. Sahid Payyannur (Chief Psychologist, In Care Psychological Well-being Centre, and Payyannur). This session allowed participants to explore their inner selves, and relax deeply through guided therapy. The Mental Health Day program at Akkara Foundation Kasaragod was a remarkable success, encompassing a diverse range of activities and sessions. These activities were designed to promote mental well-being, encourage understanding, and create a supportive community.

Physiotherapy department and Art department as part of CP Awareness month observation conducted an Art exhibition of the works done by CP children at Akkara Foundation .The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr.C K Nair (Retired Drawing Teacher, Artist) more than 30 people visited the art exhibition and appraised the effort and talent of kids. Master .Devadathan who is diagnosed With CP have drawn around 20 paintings within his limits.