Kuala lumpur: The "Lift But Not Leave" mental health advocacy expo today highlighted the need for stronger community support systems, especially among youths and young adults. Its organising chairman and founder, Chua Qin Peng, stressed that mental health should not be addressed only reactively after problems arise, particularly for young people and young professionals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chua stated, "We believe that awareness alone is not enough, never enough. Awareness must lead to actions. Conversations must always lead to understanding. And understanding must lead to support," during his opening remarks at the event held at Universiti Malaya. The expo aimed to bring together youth leaders, advocacy groups, organisations, and members of the public to promote mental well-being through engagement sessions and community-driven activities.

Chua emphasised that young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of mental health programmes; they are also potential changemakers within their respective communities. "They are classmates, colleagues, friends, volunteers, and youth leaders who may one day become the first person someone reaches out to," he added.

Furthermore, Chua highlighted that the expo aims to create a safe platform where youths, organisations, and mental health advocates can connect, learn, and contribute to building stronger community support systems. One of the key initiatives under the programme is providing selected youths with subsidies to attend Mental Health First Aid certification courses conducted by the Malaysian Mental Health Association.

The expo also featured sharing sessions, advocacy booths, networking activities, and engagement programmes involving youth organisations and community partners.