Access to psychosocial support services for youths has been expanded through the Peer Support Hub and SEHAT Youth Hotline, providing alternative channels for them to seek help when facing emotional challenges.
KASIH Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the Selangor government initiative complements existing support channels in efforts to bridge gaps in access to psychosocial services.
“Previously, (teenagers) would not speak up… they feared people would think they were crazy. They wanted to protect their dignity and were concerned about what others would say. But now, they are more willing to seek help.
“Do not keep things bottled up because it could eventually affect your well-being,” she said at the launch of the initiative here today.
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also the Prime Minister’s wife, said the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) showed that youths are now more open to seeking help for emotional difficulties, paving the way for wider access to psychosocial support.
“At the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development level, we have the Talian Kasih service. With the Peer Support Hub initiative implemented with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), it can help reduce gaps in access to psychosocial support services,” she said.
Meanwhile, Selangor Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the state government viewed mental health and bullying issues seriously, particularly among youths.
She said the Peer Support Hub and SEHAT Youth Hotline provide psychosocial support for young people, including those who find it difficult to share their problems at school.
She said a pilot project was also implemented at SMK Bukit Jelutong and Bandar Utama, involving the training of Peer Support Club members to serve as listeners for friends facing emotional difficulties.
If successful, the pilot project will be submitted to the Selangor Menteri Besar for consideration as a state-level initiative with support from the federal government.
Jamaliah said the SEHAT Hotline recorded 234 calls from January to August this year, while the Peer Support Hub, which began operations on July 11, operates every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, with appointments available through the SELangkah application.
“We have 27 trained support partners and clinical officers to manage this psychosocial support service,” she added.
