A Hope Ambassador training session on “Providing Support Without Being a Counsellor” was conducted for members of the public on 3 October 2025 in collaboration with the Nursing Association.

The session was facilitated by Fathimath Nahla and focused on helping participants understand how they can provide appropriate emotional support to individuals experiencing difficulties without taking on the role or responsibilities of a counsellor.

Participants were introduced to practical approaches for supportive communication, appropriate boundaries, referral and help-seeking. The session emphasised the importance of recognising when an individual may require professional assistance and responding in ways that are supportive while remaining within an appropriate non-professional support role.

The initiative provided an opportunity to strengthen community awareness of how individuals can contribute to a supportive environment for mental health while encouraging appropriate access to professional services when needed.

Conducted in collaboration with the Nursing Association, the training also strengthened professional and community partnerships in support of mental health promotion. Such collaborations provide opportunities to extend mental health awareness and practical knowledge beyond the university setting.

The initiative contributed to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting community mental health awareness, supportive communication and appropriate help-seeking, and to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between MNU and the Nursing Association.