Participants and officials at the Peace Club Leadership Training Programme on mental health and suicide prevention, organized by Peace Channel as part of its “Every Life Matters” campaign, at the Peace Centre, Chümoukedima.
Chümoukedima, September 28 (MExN): Peace Channel launched its October campaign, “Every Life Matters,” with a Peace Club Leadership Training Programme on mental health and suicide prevention at the Peace Centre, Chümoukedima. The campaign will be taken to Peace Club schools across Nagaland, focusing on mental health awareness, early recognition of emotional distress and peer support among young people.
The training was led by Sebastian Daisinglung Kamsuan, Assistant Professor at the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR). He highlighted the importance of understanding mental health and recognising behavioural and emotional changes that may indicate distress.
Participants were introduced to warning signs including expressions of hopelessness or a desire to die, significant changes in mood or behaviour, social withdrawal, changes in sleep patterns, giving away valued possessions and sudden calmness following a prolonged period of sadness.
A key component of the training was the “ACT” approach — Ask or acknowledge, Care, and Tell — as a practical framework for supporting peers experiencing emotional distress. Peace Club leaders were encouraged to approach concerns sensitively, listen without judgement, show genuine care and seek help from a trusted adult when necessary.
The participants also engaged in role-playing exercises based on common peer situations, including approaching a distressed or withdrawn student, responding to expressions of hopelessness and seeking support from teachers or other trusted adults. The exercises aimed to build practical skills in compassionate communication and responsible referral. Through the “Every Life Matters” campaign, Peace Channel said it aims to strengthen mental health awareness and foster supportive school environments where young people can recognise distress, seek appropriate help and support their peers responsibly.
The campaign carries the message that “every life matters” and that young people deserve care, support and access to appropriate help.
