‘Wings of Happiness’ mental health programme planned for 13 schools in Puthencruz division

The Puthencruz division of the Ernakulam district panchayat plans to organise ‘Wings of Happiness’, a mental health awareness and intervention programme, in 13 schools. It will cover schools in Thiruvaniyoor, Vadavucode-Puthencruz, Poothrikka and Aikaranad.

Sessions will support students and equip parents and teachers, as primary caregivers, to respond to emotional distress and behavioural crises before professional help is sought. Schools are also identifying mental health coordinators. The programme follows reports of more than four suicides among schoolchildren aged about 14 or 15 in the division during the year.