The Deaf Mental Health in Malaysia project is a multi-component initiative led by DAWN to strengthen mental health awareness, accessibility, and support within the Deaf community. Designed with Deaf-centred and culturally responsive approaches, the project addresses long-standing barriers such as limited access to information in Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM), lack of Deaf-aware services, and stigma surrounding mental health.
Through a series of workshops, trainings, community sessions, professional capacity-building activities, and Deaf-led creative outputs, the project supports individuals, families, professionals, and service providers. Each activity builds on the previous one—starting from basic awareness, progressing to skills development and peer support, strengthening professional competency, and finally producing sustainable, accessible resources for long-term impact.
Activity 1: Mental Health Support & Awareness Workshop for the Deaf Community
The first activity focused on introducing basic mental health concepts to the Deaf community in an accessible and supportive environment. The workshop aimed to strengthen emotional awareness and provide foundational understanding before participants progressed to more advanced mental health training.
Through interactive discussions and Deaf-friendly delivery, participants explored emotions, stress, sleep, and when to seek help. This activity laid an important foundation for normalising conversations about mental health and building confidence among Deaf participants to reflect on their own emotional wellbeing.
(Read more in the full article.)
Activity 2a: Orientation for Standard Mental Health First Aid Course
Before the formal Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, DAWN conducted an orientation session for Deaf participants to introduce the purpose, structure, and expectations of the course. This session was designed to ensure participants had a clear understanding of what MHFA involves before committing to the full training.
Delivered in an accessible, BIM-friendly format, the orientation allowed participants to ask questions, clarify commitments, and familiarise themselves with mental health concepts and learning approaches. This preparatory step helped participants engage more confidently and meaningfully in the MHFA training that followed.
(Read more in the orientation article.)
Activity 2b: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training for Deaf Participants
Building on the awareness workshop, Activity 2 introduced structured Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training tailored for Deaf participants. The training focused on equipping Deaf individuals with practical skills to recognise mental health challenges and provide initial peer support.
The programme emphasised clear boundaries of MHFA—listening, reassurance, and referral rather than diagnosis—and highlighted the importance of accessibility and language in learning. This activity strengthened the Deaf community’s capacity to support one another safely and confidently.
(Read more in the full article.)
Activity 3: Mental Health Support & Awareness Workshops with Deaf Mental Health First Aiders
This activity provided Deaf participants with hands-on exposure to mental health support through one-on-one mock sessions and group scenario-based workshops led by Deaf Mental Health First Aiders. Participants experienced what supportive conversations look like in real-life contexts.
By combining practical exercises with guided reflection, the workshops helped participants build confidence in discussing mental health and seeking or offering help. The activity also strengthened the skills and confidence of Deaf Mental Health First Aiders, reinforcing peer-led support within the community.
(Read more in the full article.)
Activity 4: Competency Development for Mental Health Professionals and BIM Interpreters
Recognising that inclusive mental health services require system-level change, Activity 4 focused on strengthening cultural competency among mental health professionals and BIM interpreters. The full-day training brought together practitioners, interpreters, educators, and students to deepen understanding of Deaf culture and communication.
Participants explored Deaf-informed practice, ethical collaboration, and inclusive communication strategies. This activity marked a critical step toward improving service accessibility and supporting the development of a Deaf Mental Health Competency framework in Malaysia.
(Read more in the full article.)
Activity 5a: Deaf-Led Mental Health Awareness and Peer Support Workshops
Activity 5a featured a series of Deaf-led evening workshops conducted by an international Deaf mental health professional. These sessions focused on mental health awareness, stress, emotional wellbeing, and peer support within the Deaf community.
By centring Deaf voices and lived experience, the workshops created safe spaces for open dialogue and community connection. Participants gained practical skills while strengthening peer networks and confidence to discuss mental health openly.
(Read more in the full article.)
Activity 5b: Mental Health Awareness Event for the Deaf Community in Sabah
Extending the project’s reach beyond the Klang Valley, Activity 5b brought mental health awareness to Sabah, engaging Deaf adults, parents of Deaf children, students, and allied health professionals. The two-day programme promoted shared learning across communities and professions.
Through sessions on mental health, parenting, service accessibility, and inclusive care, the event strengthened understanding of Deaf needs and responsibilities across families and service providers. This activity reinforced the importance of regional inclusion and cross-sector collaboration.
(Read more in the full article.)
Activity 6: BIM Mental Health Video Series by Deaf Creators
The final activity focused on sustainability and long-term access through the creation of a BIM Mental Health Video Series, launched on 9 January 2026. Seven Deaf creators produced short educational videos in BIM using creative formats to communicate mental health themes.
These videos provide accessible, culturally relevant resources that can be shared widely and reused in workshops, training, and community settings. The activity empowered Deaf creators as educators and ensured that mental health knowledge continues to reach the Deaf community beyond the project timeline.
(Read more in the full article.)
Moving Forward: A Stronger, More Inclusive Mental Health Landscape
Together, these seven activities demonstrate a comprehensive approach to Deaf mental health—addressing awareness, skills, professional practice, community leadership, and sustainable resources. The project shows that meaningful change happens when Deaf voices are centred, accessibility is prioritised, and partnerships are built across communities and professions.
DAWN remains committed to advancing inclusive mental health initiatives and strengthening support systems for the Deaf community in Malaysia. This project represents not an endpoint, but a strong foundation for continued advocacy, education, and community-led wellbeing.
Credit
This event was part of the Projek Pembangunan Sumber Pertolongan Cemas Kesihatan Mental Bagi Komuniti Pekak di Malaysia, supported by the National Centre of Excellence for Mental Health (NCEMH), Yayasan Hasanah, and the Ministry of Health Malaysia under the Mental Health Grant.
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