Sargodha: The University of Sargodha (UoS) marked World Mental Health Day 2025 with an awareness walk and seminar dedicated to exploring the theme “Working Together for Community Wellbeing.” The initiative sought to emphasize the importance of collective action in promoting mental health and addressing psychological challenges within the community.

Organized by the Department of Psychology and Counseling Centre in collaboration with Fountain House Sargodha and Lahore, SOS Children’s Village Sargodha, and MammaCare, the event brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing community mental health.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas served as the Chief Guest, with Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan as the Guest of Honor. The event featured talks by experts including Dr. Khawaja Arshad, a pediatrician and autism specialist, and Dr. Tooba Illyas, a psychiatrist at the Royal College of Psychiatry in London.

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among institutions and citizens to foster mental health awareness. He highlighted that mental health is a societal concern that requires empathy and understanding.

Dr. Khawaja Arshad addressed the prevalence of autism and the need for early intervention. Mr. Nadeem Noor of Fountain House discussed community-based rehabilitation, while Dr. Tooba Illyas spoke on the social aspects of suicide and the critical role of community support.

The seminar concluded with a creative performance by children from Fountain House, underscoring the message of inclusion. The event was well-attended by academic leaders, faculty members, and students.

The awareness walk, led by Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan, further emphasized the commitment of UoS to promoting mental health across the community.