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
Established in 2018, Akkara Foundation Bekal is a Non-profitable Organization based at Bekal in Kasaragod District of Kerala. The trust has been formed primarily to initiate medical and psycho-social assistance in the upliftment of physically and mentally challenged individuals.