Beyond Awareness: A Mental Wellness Learning Experience at PUSPEN

BEYOND AWARENESS: A MENTAL WELLNESS LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT PUSPEN

18 November 2025, Tuesday

UCYP University organised the Mental Wellness Tour at PUSPEN in conjunction with the National Counselling Month and World Mental Health Day 2025, as a meaningful exposure programme to enhance awareness, empathy, and understanding of mental health and addiction recovery. The initiative aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, emphasising psychosocial support, mental resilience, and holistic recovery for individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

The programme was held on 18 November 2025 at the Pusat Pemulihan Penagihan Narkotik (PUSPEN), Gambang, involving 35 participants comprising UCYP University staff, Kolej Yayasan Pahang staff, and members of the PEERS Club. Through guided briefings, facility tours, interaction sessions with residents, and structured reflections, participants gained first-hand insights into the challenges and recovery journey within a rehabilitation environment.

Beyond awareness-building, the programme strengthened collaborative engagement between higher education institutions and rehabilitation centres, reflecting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strategic collaboration, shared learning, and community engagement. The experiential learning approach enhanced participants’ sense of social responsibility and fostered a more inclusive understanding of mental health and recovery.

Moving forward, UCYP University plans to strengthen this initiative through follow-up engagements with rehabilitation centres, expanded interactive components, and expert involvement to ensure sustained impact and continuous improvement.