Forum for Rural Income and Environmental Development Services

19/10/2026

Youth Mental Health Awareness Programme – Karaveddy Division

A Mental Health Awareness Programme was conducted on 15 October 2026 at the VTA Training Centre, Karaveddy Division, with the participation of 70 youth, teachers, and government officers.

The programme focused on the challenges faced by young people, available support services, and practical ways to identify problems and make appropriate decisions. Participants were guided on the importance of sharing their concerns with trusted individuals and seeking timely support to overcome difficulties.

Special attention was given to understanding the causes of suicidal thoughts, recognizing warning signs, and learning ways to reduce the risk of su***de. The programme also emphasized the importance of overcoming loneliness, expressing feelings openly, and seeking professional assistance when necessary.

Through this programme, participants were encouraged to prioritize mental well-being, support one another, and build a safer, more caring community.Youth

16/10/2026

Today, an online training programme was conducted at the Vidatha Resource Centre, Madagama Division, Monaragalla District, with the participation of 16 beneficiaries.

The programme covered several self-employment and livelihood development activities, including mushroom cultivation, weaving, broom making, dressmaking, and batik dressmaking.

The training aimed to enhance participants’ practical knowledge and skills, encourage self-employment, and create opportunities to improve household income and economic independence.

15/10/2026

Children’s Day Celebration – Meegahakivula Division

The Ankura Nanwana Diyawara and Arunalu Child Clubs in the Meegahakivula Division celebrated Children’s Day

The programme aimed to promote children’s rights, happiness, mental well-being, and active participation in community activities.

15/10/2026

🎉 Children’s Day Celebration and Mental Health Programme – Karaveddy Division

Children’s Day Celebration and Mental Health Programme at Rajakiramam Community Centre in the Karaveddy Division, Jaffna District

The programme brought together 90 children from three child clubs — Ilanthalir 1, Karavai, and Young Lion — along with 15 parents and 6 government officers. The event aimed to promote children’s rights, mental well-being, happiness, and social interaction in a safe and supportive environment.

15/10/2026

Screen Printing Training Programme – Meegahakivula Division

A Screen Printing Training Programme was conducted on 14 September 2026 in the Meegahakivula Division, with the participation of 22 members.

The training was facilitated by resource person Mr. Buddhika and aimed to enhance participants’ practical skills and promote self-employment and livelihood development opportunities.

15/10/2026

Saree Pleating and Draping Training – Karaveddy Division

A Saree Pleating and Draping Training Programme was successfully conducted on 11 October 2026 at the Vidatha Training Hall, Divisional Secretariat Office, Karaveddy.

The programme was attended by 20 beneficiaries and 10 government officers. The training was facilitated by resource person Ms. Suganiya.

The programme aimed to enhance participants’ practical skills and create opportunities for self-employment and livelihood development.

15/10/2026

Children’s Day Celebration – Mahakumbukkadawala Division

The Children’s Day Celebration was successfully held on 12 October 2026 at the divisional level in the Mahakumbukkadawala Divisional Secretariat Division, with the participation of 90 children.

The programme was attended by government officers, including the Assistant Divisional Secretary, Child Rights Promotion Officer (CRPO), Women Development Officer (WDO), and Nipunatha Officer.

The event aimed to promote children’s rights, well-being, and happiness while creating a positive and supportive environment for children.

12/10/2026

Wewal Training Programme – Madagama

A two-day Wewal training programme was conducted on 10th and 11th October 2026 for new members of the Dinuliya Society in Madagama Division, Monaragala District. A total of 16 members participated in the programme to develop their Wewal skills and strengthen their livelihood opportunities.

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day 2026

Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change

This World Mental Health Day, we recognize the importance of listening to and learning from people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

People with lived experience have valuable knowledge about their own experiences and the support they need. Their voices should not only be heard — they should also be included in decisions that affect their lives.

Meaningful participation can help to:

• Improve mental health policies and services
• Design services based on people's real needs
• Strengthen peer support
• Reduce stigma and discrimination
• Promote dignity, rights, and inclusion

Mental health services should be person-centred, respectful, and accessible to everyone. People should have the opportunity to live safely and with dignity in their communities, with the support they need.

This World Mental Health Day, let us move from listening to action.

Let us build better mental health systems with people with lived experience, not simply for them.

Real voices. Real experiences. Real change.

09/10/2026

🎉 A Proud Moment for FRIENDS!

We are delighted to share that FORUT has featured our Alcohol and Drug Prevention Programme report in their publication! 🎊

This is a great recognition of the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the entire FRIENDS team in raising awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs and promoting healthier, safer communities.

Having FORUT feature our work is a proud achievement for all of us and an encouragement to keep working to create positive change in society.

👏 Congratulations to the entire FRIENDS team on this wonderful achievement!

🔗 Read the full article:

In this FORUT Civil Society Impact Series Report, Forum for Rural Income and Environmental Development Services (FRIENDS) documents the implementation of a community-based alcohol and drug prevention…