Mano Amiga Team Learns Psychological First Aid, Launches Mental Wellness Campaign

The pandemic brings with it a series of stressors and disruptions that could negatively affect a person’s emotional and mental resilience. 

In anticipation of the possible rise of mental health- related challenges in the community, the Mano Amiga core team underwent training on Psychological First Aid. The course, developed by John Hopkins University, is being offered for free via the Coursera Online Learning Platform. The core team study the lectures individually and then process the lessons and insights as a group. 

The school, led by Guidance Counsellor Sharmaine Buscato, launched a mental wellness campaign promoting an attitude of gratitude, mindfulness, and optimism among the students and families. They completed several online challenges, sharing what they’re thankful for and what are the small things giving them hope. The campaign is a supplement to counselling services being offered via phone or video call sessions. 

“At a time when social isolation is the norm, we want to maximise the available technology in helping recreate meaningful and supportive connections, that we get from face-to-face interactions,” Buscato said.