Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) successfully conducted the first session of the Barefoot Counsellor Training under Project MindLink on 3 July 2026 at the Fellowship Hall, Dorcas Hall, New Lamka.
The training attracted more than 60 participants, surpassing the planned target of 50. Participants included Barefoot Counsellors, pastors, reverends, and community volunteers who will play an important role in promoting mental well-being and strengthening community-based mental health support.
The opening session introduced participants to the fundamentals of Mental Health and Community Well-being, with discussions focusing on understanding mental health, the effects of stigma, and the influence of culture on people's attitudes towards mental illness. The session emphasized the importance of early support, empathy, and community involvement in promoting positive mental health.
The training programme will continue on 10 and 17 July 2026, providing participants with practical knowledge and skills to recognize common mental health concerns, offer basic psychosocial support, and refer individuals requiring professional care to appropriate services.
Project MindLink, supported by Petronet LNG Limited, is a community-based mental health initiative that seeks to strengthen mental health awareness, encourage early identification of mental health concerns, and improve access to support services through community engagement and strategic partnerships.
Through initiatives such as the Barefoot Counsellor Training, CCI continues to empower local communities to reduce stigma, promote mental well-being, and build a more mentally resilient Lamka.
Centre for Community Initiative
Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC), Pearsonmun, Lamka, Manipur - 795006
