Yayasan JCorp Advances Mental Health Advocacy for Caregivers

Yayasan JCorp successfully hosted the ‘Strong Minds, Strong Bonds’ forum on 3rd November 2024, drawing over 80 participants.

Organised in collaboration with KPJ Puteri Specialist Hospital, Cerebrum, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), the forum raised mental health awareness and provided crucial support to families affected by autism; furthering Yayasan JCorp’s dedication to improving mental well-being within the community.

The event featured an esteemed panel of mental health professionals and community leaders who offered valuable insights into autism, family dynamics, and mental health management.

Panelists included Catriona Ross, Autism Advocate, Associate Prof. Dr Anne Yee Hway Ann, Consultant Psychiatrist & Addiction Specialist at KPJ Puteri Specialist Hospital, Dr Wan Mohd Azam Wan Mohd Yunus, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, UTM and Azsyikin Jazuli, Chairman of Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Autistik Islam Johor Bahru.

Catriona Ross, a caregiver herself, moderated the forum with unique personal insights into the challenges faced by caregivers.

Her experience as a caregiver to a child with autism brought an invaluable perspective to the discussions, helping bridge the gap between public awareness and real-life caregiving.

“Caregivers deserve the same level of care for their mental health as those they support,” said Zaidatul Zurita Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan JCorp.

“Caregivers often juggle the dual responsibility of managing their children’s needs while maintaining their own well-being. This forum was designed to provide them with the practical tools and strategies they need, and more importantly, to remind them that their mental health is just as vital as the care they provide.”

She added, “Mental health is the foundation of caregiver well-being. By uniting caregivers, families, and professionals, we’re fostering a more knowledgeable and resilient support system. Our collaboration with KPJ Puteri, Cerebrum, and UTM has been instrumental in achieving this. Together, we’re not just raising awareness but driving real, lasting change.”

The forum was part of Yayasan JCorp’s broader initiative to build a more inclusive and compassionate community. The event served as a platform for caregivers, mental health advocates, and families to exchange ideas, share experiences, and create a supportive network that encourages continuous dialogue on mental health.

The forum concluded with a networking session where participants had the opportunity to connect with mental health experts, support groups, and other caregivers who are navigating similar challenges. Yayasan JCorp hopes that this event will inspire ongoing conversations about mental health among caregivers and contribute to sustainable positive change in the future.

Recordings and event materials are available at Yayasan JCorp’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/m4mNcbzver1GbLPF/)