Under the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign, capacity-building and sensitisation workshops were organised for faculty members from 200 government and aided colleges across the state between January 20 and 30.
These workshops were organised by the department of higher education with support from the data intelligence and technical support unit of Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali.
During the sessions, clinical psychologists and mental health professionals engaged with nodal professors to discuss substance abuse among youth and to collaborate on strategies for promoting mental wellbeing on campuses. While highlighting concerns related to student self-harm and substance abuse, teachers and administrators were sensitised on early identification, empathetic response and appropriate support mechanisms.
Resource persons and professors shared insights, experiences and practical knowledge to address challenges and questions that emerged during the training sessions. Past learnings from the state-level training held at SMHS Government College, Mohali, in December were also revisited.
Over the past week, the Punjab government has also been organising awareness foot marches across various constituencies and villages in the state, led by community volunteers. These initiatives have received an encouraging response from the public.