Aao Suno
Aao Suno is SMF’s project for raising awareness about the importance of well-being, mental hygiene and mental health. Aao Suno aims to make it okay to break the silence and de-stigmatize talking about mental health. We aim to create safe spaces for young people and their families to have conversations about issues that are often considered taboo and to contribute to discussions on how they can be better supported. Aao Suno provides opportunities to come and listen to individuals who have expertise and experience in the field and to ask them questions in a safe space.
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We began with a conversation at T2F, the Safe Space Sabeen created, on the fourth anniversary of her passing. On April 24, 2019, popular public figures, footballer Hajra Khan and actor Adnan Malik shared their personal accounts of mental health. The discussion was moderated by journalist Sanam Maher, and followed by an open house for the audience to interact, engage and share their views.
Click here to listen in.
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At IBA’s Main Campus, Karachi University, SMF organised its second event which was open to IBA students only. Students were encouraged to ask questions about any issues related to anxiety, emotional and mental health that they may have been struggling with.
Students could either ask openly, or submit their questions anonymously in writing.
Our Panel of Experts: Dr Ayesha Mian, Chair of Psychiatry at Aga Khan University. Dr Humair Yusuf, Counselling Psychologist & Psychotherapist, Visiting Faculty of Psychology at IBA. Zehra Moinuddin, Integrative Psychodynamic Counsellor, in charge of the Wellness Counselling Department at KGS.
Adab Festival: A similar session was held at the Adab Festival on February 02, 2020. From the FB pages of the Adab Festival: “Another unique feature of the festival will be an interactive session in which people can ask a panel of experts, comprising Dr Ayesha Mian, Dr Humair Yusuf and Zehra Moinuddin, about their emotional issues, even anonymously in writing if they like to. This conversation has been dedicated to the memory of slain social activist Sabeen Mahmud.
Our Conversations were brought to a halt by the Pandemic
We were in conversation with schools about organizing similar conversations for parents of their students. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 Pandemic became the obstacle yet again and so we went live with online panel discussions.
Live Talks & Panel Discussions
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Rebbia Shahab, a therapist and SMF Project Manager and Sahar Habib were in conversation about social anxiety, on February 12, 2021. Sahar Habib, a therapist with an advanced diploma in humanistic integrative counselling, also has specialised training in mindfulness, and works with adolescents and teens using art and play therapy. They explored social disconnectedness and loneliness, to help us to understand how we can manage social anxiety while also making sure we engage in meaningful interactions with people around us to curb loneliness.
You can listen to them here. -
This conversation was moderated by Dr. Ayesha Mian. The panelists were Jahanzeb Awan, Sarah N. Ahmed and Muzaffar Bukhari. Click here to listen in.
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We had Dr. Ayesha Mian in conversation with Khizar Alam and Dr. Sana Siddiqui. Click here to listen in.
Collaboration with the Continuing Education Programme IVS
The Sabeen Mahmud Foundation (proposed) in collaboration with the Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture – CEP, hosted discussions on mental health challenges that affect young people today. We engaged with various experts in the field to learn more about the subject and prepare ourselves to better respond and manage our own mental health as well as support our friends, family, peers and those amongst us.
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The first in our series of talks was, “Suicide Prevention,” conducted by Dr. Murad Moosa, Professor Emeritus Department of Psychiatry, AKU on Saturday 1st October, 2022 at the Indus Valley School. It was for IVS students and staff only.
You can listen in here.
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An open, non-judgemental candid conversation with Dr. Ayesha Mian was held on November 17, 2022 at the Indus Valley School. It was open to the public and we had a full house.
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Fatima Haider, SMF volunteer and mental health counsellor/therapist was in conversation with Samia Chundrigar on January 19, 2023 at the Indus Valley School. Samia Chundrigar, mental health counsellor/Supervisor/Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders & Obesity, discussed healthy eating and what it takes to make healthy food choices and lifestyle changes.
Click here to listen in.
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This session with Natasha Jafri focused on parenting for mental health in today’s fast-paced and technologically-focused society. Natasha Jafri is a counsellor, child protection social worker and teacher. She is also one of our valued advisors.
SMF at the Wellness Festival Karachi 2023
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Mahenaz Mahmud and Fatima Haider were in conversation with teens at the Karachi Wellness Festival on February 05, 2023. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to hear teenagers, from their perspective, talk about the mental health issues faced by young people. They shared their thoughts on what precipitating factors could be for mental health issues, as well as their advice for parents, caregivers and schools.
