On 3 June 2025, a small group of 13 individuals gathered at the D’Home Mental Health Association for a heartfelt and transformative initiative – the D’Home Chat & Connect Visit. Among them were student volunteers from SEGi, who actively participated in this community outreach programme designed to promote inclusion, empathy, and healing through genuine human connection. The event created a warm and engaging space where patients, caregivers, and the general public came together beyond labels and diagnoses.
This initiative was more than a visit—it was an intentional act of humanising mental health. By focusing on interaction over instruction, the programme encouraged patients to participate in group conversations centred on their interests, reducing the stigma often associated with mental health conditions. The relaxed, social environment offered a rare opportunity for patients and caregivers to de-stress and be seen as individuals, not just as care recipients. Volunteers played a vital role in creating a space of trust, dignity, and mutual respect.
Globally, mental health remains one of the most neglected areas in public health, with nearly one billion people living with mental disorders, and 75% of those in low-income countries receiving no treatment at all. Programmes like Chat & Connect aim to bridge this gap through grassroots engagement, emotional support, and sustained interaction, particularly for communities that struggle with stigma and isolation.
The involvement of SEGi College Penang’s students reinforces the institution’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible graduates who are not only academically equipped but emotionally intelligent and community-driven. This outreach reflects a larger vision of fostering health equity and inclusion—recognising that education must go beyond classrooms and contribute meaningfully to human well-being. For the students, it was a humbling, real-world lesson in empathy, emotional resilience, and active listening—traits often missing from traditional academic syllabi but vital in today’s interconnected world.
Mental wellness is deeply tied to social belonging. When individuals feel accepted and heard, their self-worth increases, and their desire to connect with others grows stronger. This event served as a catalyst for that emotional transformation. It reminded all participants—patients, caregivers, and volunteers alike—that dignity and connection are essential to healing.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
