Guild of Aspiring Psychology (GAPsy) of University of Batangas Lipa City brought psychological support and mental health services to Bahay Aruga youth, March 27.
The activity is part of the Psychoeducation for Bahay Aruga which is an initiative of the both College of Education Arts and Sciences and the Community Extension Services Office.
The core of the day’s activity was the psychoeducation session named “Path to Change: Building Mental Strength and a Brighter Future for Young Persons in Need of Guidance.”
Through this program, GAPsy emphasized the foundational role of mental wellness in personal growth and recovery for the youth at Bahay Aruga. Bahay Aruga is a non-profit organization in the Philippines that primarily operates as a free halfway house for children with cancer.
The outreach activity extended beyond the youth by engaging key members of their support system, including parents, staff, and psychology interns. This collective involvement helped establish a community-based approach to mental health care, empowering the young individuals while strengthening their support networks.
Furthermore, the activity provided psychology students with practical, hands-on experience in promoting holistic well-being. This commitment to psychological support is aligned with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, reinforcing the drive to promote mental health in the broader community.