Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 4

A community-based mental health initiative brought together young people in Srinagar on Saturday for an interactive session aimed at promoting emotional well-being, self-awareness and peer support, as organisers highlighted the growing importance of creating safe spaces for conversations around mental health.

The Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Peace and Justice (JKCPJ) organised the fourth chapter of its “Let’s Connect” programme at Polo Ground Park, where participants engaged in a series of activities designed to encourage self-reflection, communication and mutual support.

The event forms part of the organisation’s ongoing effort to promote mental health awareness through community engagement at a time when mental health professionals and civil society groups have increasingly stressed the need for accessible support systems, particularly for young people.

Organisers said the session was structured to provide participants with an inclusive environment where they could openly interact, build trust and develop stronger peer connections.

The programme featured activities including “Unique Introduction”, “Drawing a River” and the “Ice Water Game”, each intended to encourage participants to explore personal experiences, improve communication skills and strengthen emotional resilience.

JKCPJ Director Nadir Ali said the initiative seeks to foster supportive communities by encouraging open dialogue around mental health.

“Mental health begins with connection,” Ali said. “Through ‘Let’s Connect’, we aim to create spaces where people feel heard, understood and empowered to support one another. Peer support reminds us that healing becomes easier when no one has to face their struggles alone.”

Participants said the activities helped them better understand themselves while providing an opportunity to interact with others in a non-judgmental environment.

Fadil, one of the participants, said the session encouraged meaningful conversations and greater self-awareness.

“Today’s session helped me understand myself in a new way,” he said. “The activities were simple yet meaningful, and connecting with others made me realise that everyone has a story. It was comforting to be part of a space where we could learn, listen and support each other without judgment.”

Mental health professionals have increasingly emphasised the role of peer support programmes and community engagement in complementing formal psychological services, particularly among young people who may be reluctant to seek professional help because of stigma or lack of awareness.

Organisers said the “Let’s Connect” initiative would continue through similar community-based programmes aimed at encouraging self-discovery, strengthening emotional resilience and building peer support networks across Jammu and Kashmir.