Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh

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Mental Health First Aid Bangladesh

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MHFA Bangladesh emerges as the 24th country to adopt and adapt internationally recognized mental health first aid program in Bangladesh.

Around 450 million people suffer from mental health problems and it ranks 4th in top ten global disease burden. Depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Every 40 seconds someone is taking their own life in the form of suicide. In Bangladesh, the 2003-2005 national survey suggests that approximately 53 million Bangladeshi are suffering from mental illness. Compare that to only 200 psychiatrists, 50 clinical psychologists and 800 beds dedicated to mental health services in the state level. Altogether they cover only 1% of the estimated needs and the treatment is predominantly based on medical model. Despite additional mental health services provided by Non-Governmental Organizations and private clinics, the response to mental illness in Bangladesh is nowhere close to the extent needed. Government response has been limited by replacing the Lunacy Act 1912 with Mental Health Act 2018. National Mental Health Policy and plan yet to be finalized.

27/08/2026

Become a Mental Health First Aider
Join our Standard MHFA Training – September 2026 Cohort! Learn to recognize early signs of mental health issues, respond with confidence, and support your community.

Date: 18 & 19 Sept 2026 (Fri–Sat)
Time: 10 AM–4 PM
Place: Block-F, House 3, Road 4, Dhaka 1213
Training fee: 8,000 BDT

Evidence-based | Certified | Internationally Accredited
Open to all — no psychology background required.

To register, WhatsApp us at +88 01339516914

27/07/2026

**Celebrating Life, Hope, and the Unbreakable Human Spirit ❤️**

Some events leave a lasting imprint on your heart. The **Center for Cancer Care Foundation's** celebration on **26 July 2026** at the **RC Majumdar Auditorium, University of Dhaka**, was one of them.

It was an honor for the **Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation (IWF)** to contribute to this journey. Earlier in May, we had the privilege of providing **Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)** training to cancer survivors, caregivers, and volunteers. Seeing the participants receive their certificates was a beautiful reminder that healing is not only physical—it is emotional, psychological, and deeply human.

We are also humbled that **Monira Rahman**, Founder and Executive Director of IWF, received a memento recognizing our commitment to developing a pool of MHFAiders who will provide mental health support to patients and caregivers at the National Cancer Hospital.

The voices of the brave hearts touched us deeply:
💚 *"We need to celebrate life, not just live it."*
💚 *"Don't die before your body does."*
💚 *"Fear and misconceptions about cancer often make the journey harder. Knowledge, hope, and the right support can make all the difference."*

To every survivor, every patient, every caregiver, every volunteer, and every healthcare professional—**thank you for showing us what courage, compassion, and hope truly look like.**

Let us learn the early signs of cancer, seek timely care, support one another with empathy, and remember that no one should face this journey alone.

**Together, we can replace fear with hope, stigma with understanding, and isolation with compassion. Together, we can make the world a little kinder.** ❤️

25/07/2026

**Another Milestone Achieved! 💚**

Today, we proudly concluded our **Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training**, marking the successful completion of another inspiring journey of learning, empathy, and action.

Our newly trained **Mental Health First Aiders** have expressed their strong commitment to promoting mental health awareness, supporting the early identification of mental health concerns, and providing compassionate mental health support on a first aid basis within their communities and workplaces.

At **Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation (IWF)**, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our two outstanding MHFA Instructors, whose expertise, passion, and dedication transformed this training into an engaging, interactive, and truly meaningful experience for every participant.

Together, we are building a future where mental health is understood, supported, and prioritized—one Mental Health First Aider at a time.

24/07/2026

📍 **Standard Mental Health First Aid Training Begins!**

Today marked the start of our **2-day Standard Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) Training** at the **Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation** office in Banani.

The first day was filled with engaging discussions, practical learning, and interactive activities, skillfully facilitated by our dedicated MHFA Instructors, **Seheli Parvin** and **Ituky Chakma**. Their expertise and participant-centered approach created a dynamic learning environment where attendees gained valuable knowledge and confidence to support mental health in their communities.

We're excited to continue this journey tomorrow as we move into the second and final day of the training. Looking forward to another day of meaningful conversations, hands-on learning, and building a more compassionate, mentally healthy society.

15/07/2026

🚨 By Popular Demand!

You Requested. We Listened.

To make Mental Health First Aid training accessible to more people, we're excited to announce:

🎉 Special Discount for the July 2026 Cohort
🗓️ Registration Deadline Extended
📅 Training Rescheduled to 25–26 July 2026

Whether you're a healthcare professional, educator, student, manager, or simply passionate about mental health, this is your opportunity to learn internationally recognized skills that help you recognize, respond to, and support someone experiencing a mental health challenge.

💙 Join the movement. Become a Certified Mental Health First Aider.

Register today—limited seats available!

01/07/2026

মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য সংকট যেকোনো মানুষের জীবনেই আসতে পারে। সঠিক সময়ে সঠিকভাবে পাশে দাঁড়ানোর দক্ষতা একজন মানুষের জীবনেও ইতিবাচক পরিবর্তন আনতে পারে।

মেন্টাল হেলথ ফার্স্ট এইড (MHFA) প্রশিক্ষণে অংশ নিয়ে শিখুন কীভাবে

✔ মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য সমস্যার প্রাথমিক লক্ষণ শনাক্ত করবেন
✔ প্রাথমিক মানসিক সহায়তা প্রদান করবেন
✔ সংকটময় পরিস্থিতিতে নিজের এবং অন্যদেরকে কার্যকরভাবে সহায়তা দেবেন
✔ প্রয়োজনে যথাযোগ্য মেন্টাল হেলথ প্রফেশনালের সেবার সঙ্গে সংযুক্ত করবেন

এই প্রশিক্ষণের মাধ্যমে আপনি শুধু অন্যদের সহায়তা করাই নয়, মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য সম্পর্কে নিজের জ্ঞান ও সচেতনতা বৃদ্ধি, নিজের মানসিক সুস্থতা উন্নয়ন, এবং কার্যকর স্ব-সহায়তার কৌশল সম্পর্কেও শিখবেন।

📅 তারিখ: ১৮ ও ১৯ জুলাই ২০২৬ (শনিবার–রবিবার)
🕙 সময়: সকাল ১০টা থেকে বিকেল ৪টা (বিরতিসহ)
📍 স্থান: ব্লক–এফ, বাড়ি নং ৩, রোড নং ৪, ঢাকা–১২১৩
💰 প্রশিক্ষণ ফি: ১০,০০০ টাকা

✅ যেকোনো বিষয়ের শিক্ষার্থী বা পেশাজীবী এই প্রশিক্ষণে অংশগ্রহণ করতে পারবেন। মনোবিজ্ঞানের পূর্বজ্ঞান বা অভিজ্ঞতার প্রয়োজন নেই।

📲 নিবন্ধন ও অংশগ্রহণ নিশ্চিত করতে WhatsApp করুন:
+৮৮ ০১৭১২১৯১০৫১

নিজের জন্য শিখুন, অন্যের পাশে দাঁড়ান, আর একসঙ্গে গড়ে তুলি আরও সচেতন ও মানসিকভাবে সুস্থ একটি সমাজ।

01/06/2026

Throwback to our highly rated seminar on Early Intervention in Mental Health, massively loved by over 86% of our participants, that we had back on 13th April 2026, eve of the Bengali Chaitra Sankranti 1432!

Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation proudly reminisces jointly organising this evening with the Student Counselling and Guidance Office (SCGO), University of Dhaka, bringing together some of the brightest minds in mental health for a conversation that truly mattered.

A heartfelt thank you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Nandini Chakraborty, Consultant Psychiatrist in Early Intervention in Psychosis and Honorary Professor at the University of Leicester, UK, for opening new avenues of thinking, sharing the clinical and psychosocial realities of mental health conditions, including the discourse on neurodiversity and how Early Identification and Intervention can expedite recovery with such clarity and care, and reminding us why timely, informed action changes lives.

We are also grateful to our distinguished discussants, Dr. Md. Azharul Islam, Chairman of dept. of Educational and Counselling Psychology, University of Dhaka; Dr. Md Shahanur Hossain, Chairman of dept. of Clinical Psychology, University of Dhaka; and Dr. A.K.M. Rezaul Karim, Chairman of dept. of Psychology, University of Dhaka for enriching the conversation so meaningfully. A special thank you to Dr. Md Enamul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, for graciously making time in his busy schedule to be in the session.

Additionally, this event would simply not have been possible without the unwavering support of Dr. Mahjabeen Haque, Professor, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Director, SCGO, University of Dhaka. Her belief in this cause and the dedication of her entire team at SCGO made this seminar a reality. We are deeply, genuinely grateful.

Again, we are deeply grateful to our esteemed guests, Prof. Dr Shamim F Karim, Supernumerary Professor, Dept of Psychology, DU and President, EMDR Bangladesh Association; Prof. Dr. Shoebur Reza Choudhury, head of the Department of Psychiatry at United Medical College; Dr. Rehnuma Karim, Founder and President, Heroes for All, and many more, for gracing us with their presence.

We also thank our Founder, Monira Rahman, the IWF team, and every volunteer who gave their time and heart to make this evening possible.

Early intervention in mental health is crucial. The sooner we recognise the signs and act, the more lives we can shape for the better. Explore and download our infographics guide here: https://shorturl.at/0aFbe

If you are interested in learning more about early intervention and want to read our full event report, keep your eyes on our pages!

11/04/2026

Have you ever wondered why early intervention in mental health matters, for example, in psychosis?

Join us for an insightful seminar on
“Importance of Early Intervention in Mental Health (with a Special Focus on Psychosis)”

Hear from leading experts, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore how timely support can transform lives.

📅 13 April 2026 (Monday)
⏰ 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 STUDENT PROMOTION AND SUPPORT UNIT (SPSU), BESIDE THE CAFETERIA, TSC, UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA.
🎤 Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Nandini Chakraborty and distinguished guests from academia and mental health leadership.
💬 Plus: Interactive Q&A + Creative Expression Activity
👥 This seminar welcomes students, educators, professionals, and anyone interested in mental health!

Secure your spot now!
Registration is required and it is completely free.

Register through the link here: https://forms.gle/suXJPF8UgXPP6omAA

or simply scan the QR code on the poster

Let’s learn, reflect, and take a step toward better mental health—together.

07/12/2025

🧠 Become a standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor!

Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation (IWF)—the sole partner of MHFA International —is proud to announce the 7th Cohort of MHFA Instructor Training.

This residential 5-day Instructor Training program will equip you with the skills to deliver the official 2-day Standard MHFA course—empowering adults to recognize, understand, and support someone experiencing mental health challenges. You’ll learn through immersive methods:
✨ Participatory group work
✨ Live facilitation practice
✨ Feedback from mentors and peers
✨ Insights from mental health professionals and individuals with lived experience.

But that’s not all—you’ll also commit to:
✅ Co-delivering two MHFA courses within one year
✅ Attending annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions
✅ Using official, licensed MHFA materials from IWF
Read the Briefing document to learn about the program structure, certification path, and how YOU can join a growing global movement for mental wellbeing.

📅 Applications close: 15 December 2025. Selected candidates will be notified by 17th December 2025. Seats will be reserved only after the payment of the Training fees of BDT 40,000, excluding VAT and TAX to the IWF Bank Account by 25th December 2025.
🎯 Training dates: 2–6 January 2026
📍 Limited to 15 participants — first-come, first-served!

🔗 Application Brief: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RXajx5Mha7Qy0WEu9isEP-jHhHbod9PG/view?usp=sharing

🔗 Apply now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XMwrgO0PERr-xW4Ef6fYVnq9cLxtu3CtiQg5Bz5cbJg/edit

For more details or queries, contact us at ‪‪‪+880 1339-516914‬‬‬ (WhatsApp) or email us at [email protected]. ‬‬‬

Address

Road-4, House-3, Block-F, Banani
Dhaka
1213

Website

http://www.iwfbd.org/

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