Happiness Club launches ‘Varah Loabivey’ to promote mental safety and compassionate communities

Marking the Year of Mental Health, The Happiness Club held its first major event, “Varah Loabivey”, meaning love you very much, on Saturday.

According to the club, the full‑day programme, held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., centred on mental safety, community connection and compassion. It was designed to raise awareness about the importance of psychological safety at home, in schools, in workplaces and across the wider community.

The club said the slogan “Love you very much” was chosen because it reflects the deep cultural language of care, trust and emotional warmth among Maldivians. They noted that creating psychologically safe environments, where people can express themselves freely and thrive, is essential for individual and collective wellbeing.

Throughout the sessions, participants explored how to listen without criticism, how to build emotionally safe spaces, and engaged in practical exercises on supportive communication.

The event concluded with the “Official Varah Loabivey Declaration,” in which participants pledged to be a safe haven for others, to cultivate attentive and compassionate listening, and to promote kindness in their daily interactions.

The Happiness Club said it aims to make mental health a national priority and will continue working to ensure every individual in the Maldives feels respected, heard and accepted.