Celebrating World Mental Health Day with a Fundraiser

In conjunction with World Mental Health Day, the Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) Psychiatry Society hosted its first ever fundraising endeavour on 20 October 2023. Comprising a bake sale as well as the sale of enamel pins, the event was conceived with several objectives in mind. These included raising awareness regarding mental health, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and promoting mental health wellbeing by providing monetary contributions to help fund the missions of a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to psychiatric wellbeing.

According to Sanuli Buddhipala, the President of NUMed Psychiatry Society and a Year 4 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student, the society decided on hosting a fundraiser upon realising that they had been focusing solely on the educational aspect of the club in previous years.

“This year, we wanted to make sure that we have more wellbeing events as well as raising awareness for mental health. A fundraiser provided the perfect avenue for us to realise our objectives. What’s more, we were able to generate funds to help organisations further their mission and initiatives in the field of psychiatry,” she said.

In addition to the sale of baked goods and enamel pins, the Psychiatry Society also accepted donations. A total of RM620 was raised as a result, exceeding the initial target of RM400. This amount was channelled to Yu Shan Johor Bahru Charity Organization, which has been providing a home for physically and/or mentally disabled people of all ages since 2018, and is currently fostering 25 children and adults.

With this achievement under its belt, the NUMed Psychiatry Society looks forward to intensifying endeavours to champion mental health.

“In the future, we would like to focus on the mental wellbeing of students and staff at the university, and hope to host a variety of events like movie nights, painting days, self-care day and more!” shared Sanuli.