Jollang, May 3: A team of research scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS) under Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) successfully conducted a gatekeeper training program at Don Bosco School, here.
The training is part of the larger research project titled ICMR’s multistate implementation research on suicide risk reduction and improving mental well-being among school and college students of Arunachal Pradesh, led by Dr Tarun Mene, assistant professor at AITS.
The initiative, running across eight states, aims to reduce suicide risk and enhance the mental well-being of students.
The training, led by three experienced ICMR-AITS researchers, engaged over 40 teachers from the school, each contributing their unique expertise. The primary focus of the gatekeeper training was to equip educators with the skills to identify early signs of suicidal tendencies and provide crucial psychosocial support to at-risk students.
Gatekeeper training is designed for non-specialists, enabling them to recognise and respond effectively to individuals at risk of suicidal behavior.
By empowering teachers and community members with the necessary tools, the program strives to foster timely intervention and support services for those facing mental health challenges.
The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation, with teachers actively engaging in discussions and activities.
This marks the first phase of the project, which plans to extend its reach to around 60 institutions across the state.
Through the initiative, the research team aims to make a lasting impact on reducing suicide risks and improving mental health among the state's youth, promoting early intervention and a supportive environment.
The ICMR and AITS team is committed to the project's success and looks forward to further collaboration with educational institutions and stakeholders to achieve its goals.
