As part of its ongoing commitment to improving mental health awareness within the Deaf community, DAWN organised a series of Deaf-led mental health workshops from 31 October to 4 November 2025, featuring Mr. Herbert Klein, an internationally respected Deaf mental health professional from the United Kingdom.
Mr. Klein has more than three decades of experience in Deaf mental health services, shared his knowledge and lived experience directly with Deaf participants in fully accessible sign language settings. The workshops aimed to strengthen mental health literacy, build peer support skills, and empower Deaf individuals to better support themselves and others.
Building Knowledge, Confidence, and Community Support
Across three evening sessions held in Kuala Lumpur, Deaf adults came together to learn about mental health, stress, emotional wellbeing, and coping strategies in a safe and inclusive environment. The workshops combined practical learning, open discussion, and peer sharing, allowing participants to explore how mental health challenges can affect daily life and relationships.
Participants learned how stress impacts mental wellbeing, how to recognise early signs of emotional distress, and practical ways to manage emotions and support peers. Open discussions helped reduce stigma and encouraged participants to speak openly about mental health—many for the first time.
Three Workshops, One Shared Purpose
The series included three connected events:
- 31 October 2025 – “Breaking Barriers: Mental Health & Fellowship for the Deaf”
This session focused on training Deaf Mental Health First Aiders, helping participants understand their roles and responsibilities in providing initial peer support. Group sharing and fellowship activities strengthened trust and community connection. - 1 November 2025 – Deaf Mental Health Awareness: “Caring for Minds, Changing Lives”
Held at the Starbucks Signing Store in Kuala Lumpur, this session introduced basic mental health concepts, stress management, and ways to recognise when friends or peers may need support. - 4 November 2025 – Deaf Mental Health Awareness (Extended Session)
This extended workshop provided deeper discussion, role-play, and scenario-based exercises, allowing participants to practise supportive communication and peer support strategies in real-life situations.
All sessions were conducted in full sign language, with Deaf participants actively contributing and, in some sessions, assisting others using Malaysian Sign Language (BIM). This Deaf-led approach ensured the content was relatable, culturally appropriate, and easy to understand.
Impact and Community Response
A total of 85 Deaf adults participated across the three workshops. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants shared that they felt more confident talking about mental health, better equipped to manage stress, and more prepared to support peers facing emotional challenges.
Many expressed a strong interest in longer or follow-up sessions, highlighting the community’s desire for continued Deaf-accessible mental health education. The presence of an experienced Deaf professional also inspired participants by showing the important role Deaf leaders can play in mental health advocacy and education.
Strengthening Deaf Mental Health Awareness
These workshops demonstrated the value of Deaf-led, community-based mental health initiatives. By providing accessible information, practical skills, and safe spaces for open dialogue, the programme helped reduce stigma, strengthen peer networks, and promote resilience within the Deaf community.
DAWN will continue to build on this momentum through future workshops, training, and resource development to support the mental wellbeing of Deaf individuals across Malaysia.
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