Shanthi Maargam in collaboration with FPA Sri Lanka’s Alokaya counselling center conducted a workshop from the 3rd to the 7th of October 2016, on how to handle clients at the “Art of Living centre” and the development of an effective referral mechanism. Ms Badra Udawatte, (Senior Counselor and Assistant Director Alokaya Counselling Centre), Ms Mallika Samarawickrame (Happy Life Health Instructor) and Dr Tharindu Kodikara ( Happy Life) were among the lead facilitators of this programme. Ms Madu Dissanayake(Director Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy, FPA Sri Lanka also conducted a session on how to work with people with disabilities.

 Objectives of the training were;

1. To provide an understanding of the main issues that youth in the Maradana area are faced with, for which they may seek counseling services through the center.
2. To obtain an understanding on the approaches and tools that can be used when providing counseling services to youth
3. To train the “Happy Life” counsellors on mental health services so they will be able to provide basic services through the Happy life system and then refer them to the counsellors etc. as required.
4. To develop a referral standard that will apply to all potential clients, including those with disabilities, people living with HIV (PLHIV) and those who are belonging to the LGBTQ community. ( Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer)

Some of the topics under discussion were “Theories of counselling”, “Ethics and qualities of the counsellor”, “Developmental challenges of adolescents”, “Social challenges faced by Adolescents”, “Assessment, screening techniques and risk assessments”, “Introduction to working with LGBTIQ Youth, PLHIV, Abused children, youth in violent relationships, youth experiencing bullying etc”.