The annual CanSupport Walk in February is a very special event for the
resident members of VISHWAS – persons living with mental illnesses
(PMIs). After the chilling weather of northern India, when the flowers are in
full bloom and time for persons confined within their four walls, even the
thought of planning the walk in a park near the rehab facility, followed by
lunch under the open skies, is quite exciting.
Days before the event, the counsellors start planning the logistics with the
members as part of the Day care activities to build their life skills –
experiential learning in planning, goal setting, and taking responsibilities.
After the event, evaluating and providing feedback to the management
helps for planning future activities beyond the four walls.
On 28th February 2024, students from the G.L. Bajaj Institute of
Management and Amity Institute of Behavioural (health) and Allied
Sciences (AIHBAS), CanSupport representative joined the walk along with
volunteers and Governing Council members of The Richmond Fellowship
Society (India) Delhi branch.
Carrying placards and banners supporting the cause of Cancer, creating
awareness and support for those dealing with Cancer, they walked
enthusiastically raising loud slogans “We Support, CanSupport”. Their
voices echoed as they drew attention of others walking in the serenity of
the park. During the walk, it was very touching to see some students
holding hands of those PMIs who needed support in keeping pace with
others in the group and preventing them from falling. I was deeply moved
by the gesture of the students ‘giving’ help and with the PMIs ‘taking’
their help without hesitation. When I saw a student taking selfie after the
walk with the member whom she had helped, it made me realize that this
kind of activity provides opportunities to students to be sensitized to the
needs of PMIs and create mental health awareness. It also gives persons
living with self-stigma to come forward in accepting help to bond with
others and build their self-esteem.
Are we not blessed with a feeling of gratitude and humility if we are able
to ‘give’ help to those in need? In giving, we should feel happy and
bonded with those giving us opportunity to ‘take’ help.
