Srinagar, Nov 13: Child Guidance and Wellbeing Center (CGWC), Institute of Mental health & Neurosciences (IMHANS) Kashmir has catered to more than 35,000 children and adolescents since its inception, doctors said on Wednesday.
The figures were revealed during a one-day conference focusing on Child Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing conducted by the CGWC IMHANS-K, with the support of UNICEF at SKICC Srinagar.
Prof (Dr.) Zaid Ahmad Wani, Head of the Child Guidance and Wellbeing Center while highlighting its milestones presented an overview of the center’s journey.
He mentioned that the center has catered to more than 35,000 children/adolescents since its inception and has reached out to almost 36,000 individuals via outreach programs.
The conference brought together policymakers, health experts, and key stakeholders to discuss the need for mental health support and psychosocial services for children and adolescents in Jammu and Kashmir. This conference underscored the importance of fostering mental health awareness and building robust support systems for children.
The conference was inaugurated by Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare Departments, Sakina Itoo along with Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Administrative Secretary, H&ME Department, J&K.
The health minister highlighted the need for open discussions around child mental health and emphasized the critical role of supportive networks like parents, teachers, and community members, in fostering children’s resilience.
She spoke specifically about the damaging effects of bullying and urged for proactive support systems to shield young minds from its adverse impact.
In his address, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah underscored the urgency of addressing child mental health issues, emphasizing that the emotional well-being of children is fundamental to a strong society.
Biennial Report of CGWC-IMHANS (2022-2023) areport said the center had provided mental health support to 18,006 children and adolescents at tertiary level and reached 17,356 individuals through community outreach.
Additionally, 2,190 frontline workers, including ASHA and ICDS workers and teachers, received training in mental health support during this period. It also highlighted the various mental health diagnosis and precipitating factors leading to mental health issues among children and adolescents.
After the inaugural session, panel discussions tackled critical themes including “Holistic Health: Integrating Child Mental Health in the Education System,” “Building a Community-Based Mental Health Support Network,” and “POCSO and Child Mental Health.”
