MENTARI Batu Pahat programme with employers, non-governmental organizations and external agencies is an activity to show appreciation to those involved in making supported employment a success. It was first held in 2022, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration that year. Initially, the objective of this programme was to promote MENTARI Batu Pahat and its services. However, due to positive response and feedback, this programme became an opportunity to strengthen the delivery of psychiatric services to the community. At the same time, the community is encouraged to offer support to individuals with mental health issues.

The programme begins with a short introduction about MENTARI and the services that are offered, followed by briefings from the invited external agencies, to promote awareness among the guests. Contents of the briefings are related to opportunities and support available to individuals to assist them in returning to work. These include support from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and the Social Welfare Department. Sharing sessions from employers who have collaborated with MENTARI Batu Pahat were also helpful and interesting. The event continues with a get-to-know-you session where guests are free to mingle and enjoy delicious traditional food such as ketupat, rendang, satay and cakes.

Usually, the programme is conducted on a Sunday to allow involvement of departmental staff and guests without major disturbance to the staff’s clinical duties. However, it did become a challenge for the organizing committee to determine the actual number of employers who are able to attend, due to other commitments. Other than that, this programme initially faced a challenge in getting cooperation from other agencies due to lack of awareness about the existence of MENTARI. Nevertheless, it became a success after information on MENTARI was given.

Based on the feedback that we received, this programme gives a positive impact to employers and supported employment clients. This is mainly due to the employers showing great interest and agreeing to provide more job opportunities to MENTARI clients.  The employers gain something too – they become aware of the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities.         

This programme will go on to be an annual event of MENTARI Batu Pahat to strengthen the existing relationships, apart from encouraging the involvement of employers, non-governmental organizations, and new external agencies. Involvement of volunteers are highly welcomed to ensure continued success of this programme.

We encourage similar programmes to be conducted by other MENTARIs with their own creativity, as it is highly effective in making supporting employment a success. Creativity, as well as accurate information are both keys to draw interest from potential employers.