Offering hope: Anita outside the Miasa ‘clubhouse’ and art by mental health patients being displayed inside the clubhouse in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. — Bernama
KUALA NERUS: People living in the east coast of the peninsula who are facing mental health issues can now seek the services of the Mental Awareness and Support Association (Miasa) at its Terengganu branch, which began operating on May 18.
Terengganu is Miasa’s first branch to be set up outside the Klang Valley since the association started in 2016, said its founder Anita Abu Bakar.
“In the east coast, we found that support services for individuals facing mental health problems are lacking.
“Therefore, Miasa opened its first branch, which operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and our services are free,” she said as reported by Bernama.
On hand to help the public are two staff members and 30 Miasa volunteers who are prepared to offer their services at any time.
Miasa is also prepared to provide temporary shelter for those facing problems and have no place to stay.
“Whoever is facing a crisis and needs support can contact our team by calling 1-800-66-150 and they will be treated and monitored before we transfer them to other places that have been deemed to be safe.
“We have 150 crisis teams and 1,600 volunteers nationwide.
“Do not be embarrassed to come forward to seek help because mental health problems are issues that need to be dealt with immediately,” she added.
