28/10/2025
Shah Alam, 11 October 2025 – The Church of Divine Mercy in Shah Alam hosted a mental health awareness event aimed at fostering community support and improving access to services during times of crisis and emergency. Organised by the Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry in collaboration with HELP University, the event brought together church leaders, mental health professionals, and parishioners for a day of learning, reflection, and conversation.
Held under the theme “Community: Supporting Mental Wellbeing Together,” the programme focused on the importance of recognising mental health as part of overall well-being, especially in the wake of recent natural disasters affecting various parts of the country.
Through talks, workshops, and interactive booths, participants explored how emotional support can be offered not only through professional services but also through everyday encounters within the community. The event highlighted the Church’s growing commitment to making mental health a shared concern, rooted in compassion, understanding, and early intervention.
The event opened with a prayer led by His Grace Archbishop Julian Leow, setting a grounded and hopeful tone for the day. He reminded participants that mental health is not an isolated issue but part of how people live, relate and care for one another within their community. His message invited attendees to see mental well-being as a shared responsibility rather than a private struggle.
Archbishop Julian’s attendance signalled growing recognition from Church leadership of mental health as part of pastoral outreach. He was joined by Rev. Father Philip Chua, Ecclesiastical Assistant of the Archdiocesan Mental Health Ministry along with Dr Gerard Louis, President of HELP Education Group, reflecting a close collaboration between faith communities and mental health professionals. Together, they affirmed that emotional support should be accessible, compassionate and free from stigma.
Recent floods in Kelantan and tremors felt across Peninsula Malaysia were acknowledged during the speeches. While public attention often focuses on physical damage, speakers highlighted that many continue to carry emotional strain long after recovery efforts begin. Homes can be rebuilt, but a sense of safety and peace of mind takes longer to restore. The community was encouraged to recognise this unseen impact and respond with understanding rather than assumptions.
The first session was led by Kelly Phang, a clinical psychologist, who addressed common misconceptions about mental health. She explained that mental health is not limited to diagnosed conditions but includes daily experiences of stress, loss and emotional fatigue. Her talk encouraged participants to see mental well-being as part of ordinary life and emphasised the role of family, friends and church members in early support. While professionals are important, she reminded the audience that help often begins with listening without judgment.
The session was well received, with many participants sharing that it was the first time mental health had been discussed so openly and practically in a church setting. Kelly’s reminder that simply being present for someone can be a meaningful act of care resonated strongly across the room.
Following suit, a series of thematic workshops on youth, family, and working adults was held. The youth-focused session was led by Mr. Jeremiah Liew, counsellor and lecturer at HELP University, who spoke on self-resilience, coping strategies, managing peer pressure, and navigating identity struggles. Complementing his presentation, Ms. Luisa Margareta G, a Master of Counselling intern at AMHM, delivered the topic in Malay to reach a wider audience and promote inclusivity. In the family segment, Ms. Esther Chu, Head of the Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services and lecturer at HELP University, discussed mental health within the family system. Ms. Julianna Tang, trainee counsellor and play therapist, conducted a session in Mandarin, focusing on parent–child communication. For working adults, Dr. Victor Goh, Senior Lecturer and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at HELP University, facilitated a session entitled “Finding Purpose at Work and in Life.”
Concurrent with the workshops, participants were invited to explore an art exhibition and experiential booths, both of which remained open throughout and after the sessions. The art exhibition featured works from various artists, each piece reflecting personal experiences of mental health challenges and coping processes. Accompanying write-ups offered visitors deeper insight into the emotions, stories, and symbolism behind the artworks.
A range of experiential booths provided interactive and reflective activities, including expressive clay activity, art reflection sessions, psychometric assessments, and body postural screenings. During the art reflection session facilitated by Reena Clare, an Art Psychotherapist, participants engaged in a creative sponge-stamping activity. The purpose was not to produce perfect artwork but to encourage self-expression and emotional release. The psychometric assessment booth allowed participants to better understand their own mental health status and seek appropriate support if necessary.
The event concluded with a community sharing session on how the community can support each other in coping with Mental Health, understanding the importance of Mental Health in communities and the various community roles. “Many people may be struggling silently, as mental health issues are often invisible. Therefore, it is crucial that we remain compassionate, reach out, and support one another,” one panellist remarked. A brief Q&A session followed, during which panellists encouraged participants, particularly youth, to seek professional guidance rather than relying solely on artificial intelligence for mental health support.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Father Phillip Chua, who offered a concluding address, prayer, and blessings for all attendees. He expressed appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the organising committee, volunteers, and participants, whose contributions ensured the event’s success. Overall, the event was a notable success, combining education, creativity, and community engagement to strengthen awareness, empathy, and proactive support for mental health.
The mental health awareness event at the Church of Divine Mercy offered more than just information—it provided a space for meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and practical tools for building a more supportive community. By bringing together voices from both faith and professional backgrounds, the event underscored the importance of approaching mental health with empathy, openness, and collaboration. As participants left with greater understanding and renewed commitment, the event marked a positive step toward normalising conversations around mental well-being within church settings and beyond.
