Kulhudhuffushi council opens community-based mental health centre

Kulhudhuffushi City Council has opened a community-based mental health centre, Manas Hub, to provide mental health support, wellbeing programmes and social activities for residents.

The centre was inaugurated at a ceremony held in Kulhudhuffushi on Saturday, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

The facility was officially opened by Kulhudhuffushi Mayor Mohamed Aathif and Australian High Commissioner David Jessup, who attended as the chief guest. Former First Lady Fazna Ahmed also attended the ceremony.

Developed under the Kulhudhuffushi City Council's strategic plan, Manas Hub is located within the Knowledge Centre previously established by the council.

The facility will operate under the supervision of the council's Knowledge, Culture and Wellbeing Unit.

In addition to the mental health centre, the Knowledge Centre includes a public library and spaces for community activities.

According to the council, Manas Hub has been designed to provide mental health support outside conventional clinical and hospital settings, with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention and maintaining mental wellbeing.

The council said the centre aims to make mental health information and support more accessible while providing a safe environment for residents to participate in wellbeing activities.

Individuals requiring further treatment will be referred to appropriate professional services.

The centre will offer psychoeducation sessions covering mental health awareness, coping skills and healthy lifestyle practices.

It will also conduct career guidance and stress management programmes, including sessions on emotional resilience and planning for future employment.

Other facilities and activities will include board games and recreational programmes intended to encourage social interaction and strengthen community relationships.

Kulhudhuffushi City Council said the centre was established on the principle that mental health support should not be limited to situations where an individual's condition has deteriorated.

Instead, the hub will focus on helping residents maintain their wellbeing through education, social engagement and access to support.

The council described Manas Hub as part of a broader community development initiative that brings together learning, health and social activities within a single facility.

It said the project recognises that mental wellbeing is influenced not only by access to healthcare but also by social relationships, recreational opportunities, education and participation in community life.