Collaboration with Vavuniya General Hospital's Mental Health Unit
15 October 2026
Rising suicide rates among young people have intensified concern over mental health services across the country. In response, RAHAMA partnered with the Mental Health Unit of Vavuniya General Hospital to commemorate World Mental Health Day — reaching over 158 service receivers and caregivers, and bringing communities together to reduce stigma and strengthen access to care.
How we marked World Mental Health Day in collaboration with the Mental Health Unit
Experience-Sharing Sessions
Service users took to the stage to share their personal journeys with mental health. These open testimonials created a space of trust, reducing stigma and encouraging others to seek support.
Awareness-Raising Stage Drama
RAHAMA coordinated a stage drama performed by Kalai Nila Kalaiyakam, addressing misconceptions, stigma, and barriers that prevent people from accessing mental health services and treatment..
IEC Materials & Seedling Gifts
IEC materials were distributed to all 158 participants. Each service user received one coconut plant and one lime seedling — a meaningful gesture of encouragement, growth, and participation.
Stigma and misconceptions remain serious barriers to mental health support.
Concerns regarding mental health services have increased significantly due to the rising number of suicide cases among young people, including schoolchildren. Across the country, more than 3,000 people die by suicide each year, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen mental health services, raise public awareness, and address the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health conditions.
15 October 2026
Over 3,000 suicide deaths recorded nationally each year Young people and schoolchildren are among the most affected Stigma discourages individuals from seeking help Misconceptions about mental health remain widespread Negative societal attitudes continue to be a significant barrier.
3 Key Messages for Mental Well-being
1. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Maintain a healthy diet and ensure adequate sleep. Physical well-being forms the foundation of mental resilience and emotional balance.
2. Talk & Share Openly
Discuss concerns and share experiences with trusted and reliable individuals. You do not have to face challenges alone — reach out and connect.
3. Seek Treatment & Avoid Harmful Substances
Continue appropriate treatment and follow professional medical advice. Avoid alcohol and drugs to support lasting recovery and overall well-being.
Impact of Collaboration
This successful initiative marks an important step in collaboration between RAHAMA and the Mental Health Unit of Vavuniya General Hospital — a specialised service provider that receives referrals from four districts.
The partnership demonstrates the potential for expanding mental health awareness through coordinated action between government institutions and civil society organisations.
To date, the Mental Health Unit has collaborated with non-state actors working with children, children with disabilities, and older persons — with further opportunities to expand partnerships in awareness, prevention, and referral.
Building community capacity for mental health.
To date, the Mental Health Unit has collaborated with non-state actors working with children, children with disabilities, and older persons. Opportunities remain to expand partnerships in mental health awareness, alcohol and drug prevention, and initiatives targeting schoolchildren and young people.
RAHAMA will continue to mobilise and strengthen Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and local stakeholders to support these efforts. Kalai Nila Kalaiyakam — a CBO whose members were capacitated by RAHAMA — performed the awareness-raising stage drama at the event, demonstrating the power of community-led action.
Expanding partnerships remains key to reaching wider audiences, improving access to mental health information, and building sustainable community engagement.
Way Forward: Expanding the Collaboration
Mental health service is interconnected with child rights protection, gender equality, and protecting survivors and victims. Trauma in war-torn communities requires sensitive, sustained engagement to heal wounds and build resilient societies. Street dramas at selected public locations and institutions serving young people will continue to expand awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and encourage individuals to seek support. These activities strengthen referral pathways and community ownership of mental health promotion.
Expanding reach through community action
Street Dramas & Public Outreach
Awareness activities will continue through street dramas at public locations and institutions serving young people, challenging harmful social attitudes and encouraging individuals to seek support.
Expanding Partnerships
Building on collaboration with Vavuniya General Hospital's Mental Health Unit, opportunities remain to grow partnerships in alcohol and drug prevention, schoolchildren outreach, and community referral mechanisms.
MALAR Initiative
RAHAMA's MALAR programme will equip 15 active CSO volunteers with knowledge on mental health concerns in villages, increasing community awareness and strengthening local referral pathways.
Collaboration to Educate the Public and Increase Referrals
This collaboration demonstrates how government health services, civil society organisations, and empowered community groups can reduce stigma, encourage timely access to treatment, and contribute to improved mental well-being across communities.
