The Mental Health Project Team at the Division of Public Policy, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, invites Indian, Pakistani, and Nepalese families to the psychoeducation series "Nurturing Families: A Journey to Wellbeing ".This program is designed to resonate with and empower families from these ethnic backgrounds through a blend of educational and interactive experiences.

 

Program Structure:

Designed to explicitly address the distinct requirements and cultural subtleties of Indian, Pakistani, and Nepalese families, the five-week class offers an eclectic blend of knowledge exchange and hands-on application. Every weekly meeting is divided into two sections:

 

Sessions Objectives:

Week 1: Foundations of Mental Health, and Family Harmony 

Date & Time: 4th June 2024 (Tuesday) ,10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Lecture: The series of talks begins with a survey on family ties to better connect with the perspectives and experiences of Indian, Pakistani, and Nepalese families. The course then introduces the fundamental concepts of mental health through a lecture and interactive practice.

Interactive Session: The staff will facilitate discussions, reflections, or role-plays to assist the families in better understanding the day's topic and applying it to their own lives.

 

Week 2: Enhancing Family Communications – Achieving a More Harmonious Family

Date & Time: 11th June 2024 (Tuesday), 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Lecture:  Family communication and emotional intelligence will be the session's topics. It seeks to provide parents with the skills they need to recognize, comprehend, and control the emotions that exist in their families. The group will also offer practical strategies for fostering communication and resolving disputes that are appropriate for the various cultural settings of Indian, Pakistani, and Nepalese families.

 

Interactive Session:  To enhance learning, this hour-long session will build on the lecture by providing real-world emotional intelligence practice through practical exercises.

 

Week 3: Relationship Management and Parenting Strategies

Date & Time: 14th June 2024 (Friday), 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Lecture: Effective relationship management and parenting strategies that are vital at various stages of a child's growth will be covered in this session. The lecture will cover important topics for creating positive parent-child relationships and addressing common issues that families face.

 

Interactive Session: Following the lecture, attendees will engage in role-playing exercises and group discussions. These interactive elements are meant to provide a supportive setting where families may practice the skills they have acquired and share their experiences and insights with peers from similar cultural backgrounds.

 

Week 4:  Building Resilience and Understanding Positive Psychology

Date & Time: 22rd June 2024 (Saturday), 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Lecture: The concepts of positive psychology and resilience building will be covered in this last session. The intention is to support mental health by encouraging the adoption of healthy routines and perspectives, while simultaneously giving families the tools they need to deal with stress and hardship.

 

Interactive Session: As a conclusion to the series, we will provide parents with some simple techniques to take care of themselves and manage stress. Furthermore, families will collaborate to design a personalized Family Wellness Plan that integrates the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the program. This plan will serve as a guide for maintaining harmony within the family and resilience in the face of challenges.

 

Week 5: Mindfulness-Based Family Wellbeing 

Date & Time: 27th June 2024 (Thursday), 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

 

Lecture: The session begins with an exploration of mindfulness - what it is, where it comes from, and why it's beneficial for families. The facilitator defines mindfulness as present-moment, non-judgmental awareness, and explains how it can help us better understand ourselves and our relationships. Participants learn about the core principles of mindfulness, such as beginner's mind, non-judgment, and acceptance. They also discuss the research on the mental, physical, and relational benefits of mindful practices. This foundation sets the stage for the activities to come.

 

Interactive Session: To help regulate emotions and cultivate calm, the session includes a mindful movement activity. This might involve gentle stretching, mindful walking, or other gentle, awareness-based physical practices. Families are invited to tune into sensations in the body and stay present with the experience.

 

Breathing exercises are also introduced as a tool for emotional self-regulation. Participants learn simple breathwork techniques they can use individually and as a family to find moments of stillness and centeredness.