Gurugram, Oct 28 (INB) BML Munjal University has launched a Wellness Centre combining professional counselling and psychotherapy with a peer mentoring programme to make mental health support more accessible to students, it said on Wednesday. The initiative aims to encourage early help-seeking, reduce stigma around mental health and strengthen campus wellbeing, the university said in a statement. Under the Peer Wellbeing Mentor Programme, trained senior students will serve as points of contact for juniors adjusting to university life, helping them navigate challenges, build connections and access professional support when required. “By enabling students to look out for one another while ensuring that professional help is always within reach, we want to build a campus where seeking support is natural, early and free from stigma,” Vice Chancellor Shyam Menon said. Rupa Murghai, Director of the Wellness Centre, said the initiative would train students to support their peers, recognise early signs of distress, reduce stigma and promote resilience. Besides individual counselling and psychotherapy, the centre will organise awareness programmes and workshops on mental health literacy, stress management, emotional regulation, healthy relationships and coping skills. It will also conduct sessions on the prevention of sexual harassment. The centre is supported by a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, counsellors, a psychotherapist and a visiting psychiatrist. It will coordinate with faculty mentors, hostel wardens, student clubs, the Dean of Student Welfare and, where appropriate, parents to address students’ wellbeing needs. The university said the initiative was launched during October’s World Mental Health Month, with an emphasis on listening to students’ experiences and fostering an inclusive campus environment.
