What began as a mental health workshop for teenagers has grown into a fully-fledged support platform, with Veni Soobramoney and Dr Rowena Joseph officially launching Therapy on Park (TOP) NPC to provide much-needed mental health services for young people.

The initiative was born out of the outcome of a youth mental health workshop hosted by the pair for youths between 13 and 18, which highlighted a growing concern for accessible, safe spaces for teenagers struggling with mental health challenges.

TOP was formally launched at Gilgal East Ministries in Western Extension on January 24 and aims to provide ongoing psychosocial support, counselling, and awareness programmes for youth.

Sharing what sparked their vision for their practice, Soobramoney, a psychometrist, said:

“A while ago, we hosted a mental health workshop for our youth group. In the room were young people from very different lived realities – some from affluent environments, others from homes marked by significant challenges,” she said.

During the workshop, Dr Joseph administered a mental wellness screening to check how the children were coping emotionally.

“As the results were explained, there was visible shock on some of the young people’s faces. Not because they were labelled, but because for the first time, they realised that this is not how life is supposed to be.

“Many of the children had never connected their anxiety, emotional numbness or constant stress to the experiences they had been through, often through no fault of their own.

“There are young people walking into our schools, churches and homes every day carrying invisible burdens and many don’t even have the language or the access to ask for help,” said Soobramoney.

Dr Joseph explained she and Soobramoney had seen how children, teenagers and families often struggle quietly, unsure of where to ask for help.

“The physical space we are standing in today was intentionally created to be a safe, tranquil and calming space that challenges the stigma still attached to mental health struggles.

“This is more than just a practice. It’s a place where people are seen, heard and supported with dignity and care. A place where families can pause, breathe and begin again. Our heart is to offer professional, ethical and compassionate support early, not only in crisis,” said the occupational therapist.

She pleaded for support from organisations and businesses, saying, “As an NPC, our heart is people, not profit. However, sustainability matters. For spaces like these to remain open and accessible, partnership with community leaders, businesses, schools and community organisations is essential.”

Their therapy space consists of two rooms, and they will operate from Gilgal East Ministries, 29 Park Street, Western Extension, from 09:00 to 16:00.

The organisation will host two mental health workshops for parents and teens on February 21 and March 7, respectively.

Contact TOP on 068 065 2478 for more information.

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