MENTARI Muar has organized a series of comprehensive mental health screenings throughout the year under the name “Community Connect,” aimed at raising awareness and facilitating early detection of mental health issues within the local community. The program also informs about the available mental health services and encourages employers to be more mindful of their employees’ mental well-being, fostering openness towards hiring individuals with mental health conditions.

Project Description and Implementation:

Community Connect was conducted at various locations including Lotus, Wetex Parade, TF Value Mart, Micron Muar, and institutions like Muar Prison. The mental health program, which includes awareness talks and screenings, was extended to educational institutions such as UIA Pagoh and KWSP Muar. The program is implemented regularly, with monthly screenings to ensure consistent access to mental health services. The MENTARI Muar team, consisting of a psychiatrist, two medical officers, and three occupational therapists, worked together to provide these screenings, which encompass initial assessments, brief counseling, therapy, and referrals to advanced services when needed.

Challenges and Solutions:

Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and low awareness among the community and employers regarding the importance of mental health and the capability of employees with mental health issues to work effectively, MENTARI Muar overcame these hurdles through creative and collaborative approaches. For instance, social media platforms were used to promote the program, and partnerships with local agencies like NGOs and Lotus were formed to extend the program’s reach and enhance mental health education. Additionally, regular meetings were held to ensure that staff could consistently provide high-quality services.

Lessons Learned and Future Recommendations:

We have learned the importance of a continuous and inclusive approach in maintaining the community’s mental health. Active community involvement and support from various stakeholders have proven that collective efforts are key to the program’s success. In the future, we plan to expand this program by adding more locations and introducing online technology to reach more individuals in need. We also recommend other MENTARI centers consider this approach to further strengthen mental health services in their respective communities.