CAFS aiding and improving the mental health standards in Sri Lanka

March 30, (NewsIn.Asia) – The Child, Adolescent and Family Services (CAFS) was initiated as a project under the THEME Institute (http://www.themeinstitute.org/) in Dec 2016 to create mental health awareness in Sri Lanka. In February 2018, CAFS was registered as a not-for-profit organization to provide multi-disciplinary services for children, adolescents, adults, and their families. The main aim of the organization is to;

Promote awareness
Conduct necessary assessments and provide tailor-made interventions
Organize specialized workshops for communities, schools, and institutions
Initiate support forums

CAFS is managed by a team of psychologists who are supported by committed volunteers. The organization also opens its doors for other professionals in the mental health field who work as consultants and support the activities carried out by CAFS.

CAFS

CAFS has been carrying out a number of projects over the years. The main projects include;

– Scribbles: A novel series of workshops designed using creative methods as a form of expressing psychological and emotional needs. The workshops focus on both children and parents with and without special needs, aiming to bridge the gap in communicating and expressing oneself.

– Think Blue: An annual autism awareness campaign held in recognition of World Autism Awareness Month in the hopes of creating awareness about the condition throughout the country.

– LIVE: A suicide prevention campaign which aims to disseminate information to the public on recognizing risk factors and warning signs of suicide, knowing how to offer initial support and knowing where to refer for professional help.

– IamwithyouSL: A campaign designed to break the stigma surrounding mental health by spreading awareness to the Sri Lankan population.

Our current project:

Since we are nearing the month of April, CAFS is planning our annual Think Blue event in Galle.

The 2^nd of April every year is sanctioned by the United Nations as World Autism Awareness Day and the month of April is recognized as World Autism Awareness month. Therefore, joining the world in this cause, CAFS together with THEME institute initiated the Think Blue campaign in April 2017. The first event was held at the Galle Face Green in Colombo where crowds gathered to send blue sky lanterns to mark the day. This year with the hopes of creating awareness outside of Colombo, Think Blue 2019 will be held in Galle on the 7^th of April at the Samanala Grounds from 4pm to 7pm.

There will be a team of psychologists present at the event for those who wish to gain more knowledge on autism and related mental health conditions. There will also be games, entertainment, food, and beverage stalls as well as an installation that everyone could be a part of creating. The main highlight of the event would be the flying of blue kites in recognition of World Autism Awareness.

We hope the public will show their support and be present at the event or at least support the cause by following us on social media, on which we provide educational information about autism.