The Butterfly Effect strives to create awareness in the society about psychological first aid, an act as subtle and delicate as the flutter of a butterfly’s wings, can make the world a beautiful place. Psycho Aid refers to Psycho Therapeutic Aid; where the term “Psycho therapeutic” comes from psychotherapy, which is the treatment given to individuals experiencing psychological problems.

‘Aid’ here is used to mean a provision of services given in relation to treatment needed in individual cases. Psychological issues include an array of challenges and dysfunctions; treatment is individualized to help patients reach healthy mental functioning. It helps individuals and communities to heal the psychological wounds and rebuild social structures after an emergency or a critical event. It can help to change people into active survivors rather than passive victims.

Butterfly effect 2.2 is a continuation of the effort to show that working together is the best way to make the awareness of Psychological first aid, which describes a supportive human response to a fellow human being who is suffering and who may need support.

Under this project, our team organized a workshop on psychological aids, in order to make awareness of Psychological first aid among the community through university undergraduates as our first attempt. Then to distribute the knowledge and address the university students and the public through Public Relations line.

The workshop on psychological first aid was held on 7th February at NFC 5(mini Auditorium) as the first session of this project. It was conducted by Miss Anagi Sarala Gunasekara. (Master of philosophy in clinical psychology University of Colombo). The workshop included a lecture and an interactive session in order to give the practical knowledge in this area. To encourage the delegates on the basic knowledge of psychological first aid, hand books with key principles on first aid was provided during the session.

The following aspects were covered by this project; Study what is Psychological aid and its effects, enhance the knowledge on the ways to help responsibly to the people with psychological distress as a perspective of making Psychological well- being through the society.

 As the second step of this project, a work force was established and the challenge of posting a photo with a green ribbon was started as a step of making the awareness of psychological first aid among the society. It was a really appreciated and lot of people took part in the challenge.

This project was powered by the organizing committee with nearly 20 members from the Professional Development Avenue. A big thank goes to each and every individual who contributed to make this event a success.

by Rtr. Supuni Aluthge