Nyawa helps underprivileged get affordable counselling

In April 2021, mental health organisation Nyawa was founded by director Farihin Ufiya Mohd Azeem to bring about mental health reforms that are not only progressive and bold but also feasible and sustainable.

Along with advocacy lead Jernell Tan, research lead Chew Gui Fang, and deputy director Khair Hisham, the four co-founders aim to bridge the gap between youthful enthusiasm and seasoned wisdom.

Together with administration lead Aisya Wahida, they plan to help as many underprivileged people as they can to deal with mental health issues.

According to Farihin, 25, it began as an ad hoc project called Inisiatif Menyantuni during the 2021-2022 Malaysian flood crisis to provide free counselling services to flood victims who faced mental health challenges.

“However, we received many distressing requests from non-flood victims who could not afford therapy.

“This initiative was subsequently extended to...