Can We Talk
With the topic of mental health being a taboo topic in Malaysia, access to information from the right sources may be prohibitive. Without a safe space to talk to another person, individuals tend to suffer in silence and isolation while thinking that they are the only ones experiencing challenges.
As the name suggests, the “Can We Talk?” Programme is an initiative to create a safe space for people to talk about the challenges faced in life with other people. Under the umbrella programme, “Can We Talk?” is customized to cover different needs, including but not limited to 1-on-1 sessions, events, and public outreach. The main objective of the “Can We Talk?” Programme is to break the stigma of mental health, allowing people to have that face-to-face conversation and to receive information on the next step of action.
For more information on the Can We Talk? Programme, please contact Michelle at +014-6693210 or email at michelle @ thethrive.center
“Can We Talk?” Café Project
The original “Can We Talk?” started as a collaboration with Aperture Café in TTDI. Inspired by the informal requests received by the founders of Thrive Well, the “Can We Talk?” Café Project” became the pilot project to meet the demands of individuals seeking information on the next step of action but were concerned about the current available option of clinics and hospitals.
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Operated on an appointment basis, the 1-hour individual consultation with our mental health consultant comes with a high tea set, making it easier for individuals who are looking for information and the opportunity to speak to a professional in a relaxing space. From the outside, the conversation seems like a regular “coffee chat”, thus lowering the barrier of access to information
“Can We Talk?” Partnership Series
Seeking information related to mental health may be discomforting to many people, especially with the general perception and stigma associated with mental health. However, we have also learned over the years that the discomfort can be addressed by having someone to accompany the individual through the process.
The “Can We Talk?” Programme expanded from an individual consultation to a group setting, catering to the social nature of the general Malaysian public. Creating a safe space for people with similar concerns to gather has helped many individuals seek comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.
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We partner with corporate clients looking to organize their own internal “Can We Talk?” event to benefit their employees and priority clients. From small closed-door sessions to major events, the “Can We Talk?” Partnership Series can be curated to meet the objectives of the planned event.
Example of the Partnership Series
Can We Talk?” Event – CHAMPs Edition
The first “Can We Talk? CHAMPs Edition” (Children and Adolescents Mental Health with Parental Support) closed-door event was held in end-June 2023, attracting over 70 parents with common challenges relating to parenting. The session included two parenting forums moderated by BFM announcer Tee Shiao Eek with panelists who are experts by profession and experts by experience. The event also features our Human Library, a group of experts by profession and experts by experience with their stories to share – a father with a neurodiverse daughter, a mental health professional living with ADHD, a caregiver to her father with chronic illness, and more (to name a few).
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The “Can We Talk?” Programme expanded from an individual consultation to a group setting, catering to the social nature of the general Malaysian public. Creating a safe space for people with similar concerns to gather has helped many individuals seek comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.
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We partner with corporate clients looking to organize their own internal “Can We Talk?” event to benefit their employees and priority clients. From small closed-door sessions to major events, the “Can We Talk?” Partnership Series can be curated to meet the objectives of the planned event.