A virtual conference on “Designing protocol for volunteers of mental health helpline in wake of Corona virus” was arranged by the Institute of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

The virtual conference titled “Designing protocol for volunteers of COVID-19 Mental Health helpline in wake of Coronavirus” was chaired by the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Professor Dr. Firdous-e-Bareen. Dr Rafia Rafique, Director Institute of Applied Psychology welcomed psychologists from all over Pakistan. Conference speakers; Dr Mohsina Najeeb, Dr Tanveer Nasar, Prof. Dr Uzma Ali, Dr Irum Zehra Bokhari, Ms Lubna Azhar and Dr Saima Dawood gave important deliberations regarding designing a need-based criterion and guidelines for volunteers of COVID-19 Mental Health Helpline of Institute of Applied Psychology. Speakers of the conference showed concern regarding the growing mental health issues and enlightened the conference participants with their expert opinion. They gave guidelines regarding how to objectively address issues such as anxiety, depression, educational concerns etc. Professor Dr Najma Najam, Dr Naumana Amjad, Dr Fatima Kamran, Dr Afsheen Masood, Dr Saima Ghazal, Dr Mujeeba Ashraf, Dr Afifa Anjum and Ms Tahira Mubashir highlighted different psychological issues associated with the current pandemic. It was emphasized that individuals with prior mental and physical health issues are more likely to get effected due to lockdown and physical distancing. The role of spirituality, religious coping and gratitude was emphasized. The conference was attended by more than 60 psychologists from all over Pakistan.