TMB Report
Imphal: Deepika Mayanglambam, renowned Mental Health Advocate and founder/CEO of Freedom From Mental Illness, embarked on a significant visit to the relief camp opened at Ideal Girls College, Akampat, Imphal East on Monday.
This visit highlighted the urgent need for Child Friendly Spaces (CFC) within relief camps, as well as the critical requirement for mental health assistance for survivors of the Manipur violence which has taken a big toll on children.
The Ideal Girls College Relief Camp at Akampat currently hosts around 800 displaced individuals from the border districts of Manipur,who have sought temporary shelter and support. These displaced individuals have faced unimaginable hardships due to the ongoing conflict, leaving them in a vulnerable state and in need of comprehensive care and support.
Deepika Mayanglambam and her dedicated team – Bishwajit Saikia, Lanchenba Salam, Uhlan Wahengbam, Delton Naorem and Vishal Moirangthem recognised the dire need for mental health assistance, particularly among the 170 children residing at the relief camp. The trauma experienced by these children has left their minds deeply distressed, requiring immediate intervention to help them heal and regain a sense of normalcy.
During her visit, Deepika Mayanglambam and her team conducted a series of participatory activities aimed at enhancing the well-being of the children and helping them cope with the trauma they have endured. These activities included cognitive exercises and various team-building exercises, all designed to provide emotional support and ignite a sense of hope in the hearts of the young survivors.
The visit served as a poignant reminder of the importance of Child Friendly Spaces (CFC) within relief camps. These spaces offer children a safe environment to express themselves, engage in play, and receive the emotional support they need to recover from the psychological scars of conflict and displacement.
Deepika Mayanglambam emphasised the urgent need for CFCs in relief camps across the region to ensure the well-being of young survivors and give them a chance to rebuild their lives.Furthermore She highlighted that “There is no Future Without Children” during her interaction.
Deepika Mayanglambam’s visit to the Ideal Girls College Relief Camp at Akampat underscores her unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and her dedication to supporting those affected by conflict and trauma. Her efforts are a beacon of hope for the children and families in the relief camp, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey toward healing and recovery.
