Climbing Mountains: Making a Difference

Bali Update Editorial Team

3 months ago

Freedom Summit III – a mountaineering expedition operated by Bali Bersama Bisa Mental Health Care strives to reach “new heights” in enhancing the mental well-being of the Island of Bali.

A non-profit mental health initiative based in Dalung, Bali – Bali Bersama Bisa Mental Health Care positively impacts thousands of people in Bali.

“Bali Bersama Bisa” translates as “Together Bali Can Achieve.”

Indonesia is a nation where the discussion of mental health can be shrouded in mystical beliefs linked to possession and demonization. Bali Bersama Bisa is pioneering the revolutionary concept of increasing access to professional mental health care. The Freedom Summit represents, both literally and metaphorically, a mountain that Bali Bersama Bisa is climbing to bring professional mental health care to the public. The organization engages a team of over 20 professionals to reach thousands of people each month.

Bali Bersama Bisa commenced operations in February 2024, providing evaluations, psychiatric and psychological counseling, an intensive outpatient program, support groups, and holistic wellness programs. Only several months after opening, it impacts over 1,000 people monthly with professional care and assistance.

Freedom Summit III is a mountaineering expedition through which climbing participants and donating sponsors raise much-needed funds to support the vital work of Bali Bisa Bersama’s mental health initiatives.

FREEDOM SUMMIT III

Freedom Summit III will take place from 17-20 October 2024 on the challenging slopes of three Bali mountains: Mount Agung, Mount Abang, and Mount Batur.

The event is organized across three categories:

Mountain Heroes: Participants will tackle the ultimate challenge of climbing three mountains over three nights and three days: Mount Agung, Mount Abang on the “secret” Freedom Summit Trail, and Mount Batur.

Mountain Explorers: Repeat the thrilling challenge of Freedom Summit II, exploring the rugged terrain and scenic trails of two summits: Mount Abang and Mount Batur.

Base Camp Heroes: Since Bali Bisa Bersama is, at its core, about mutual support and help, this category of participants provides essential support to the teams by working in the areas of base camp setup, logistics, and material handling. This category also includes an optional hike of Mount Batur.

The Impact of Freedom Summit

The 1st Freedom Summit enabled the opening of the LISA (now BISA) Suicide Prevention Hotline and the set up of the Bali Bersama Bisa Mental Health Care Facility. Initially operated with only two cell phones, the Hotline quickly went viral on social media, necessitating a service suspension. Appropriate new technology and resources were identified soon to meet a growing demand for their emotional support services.

Freedom Summit II continued to promote accessibility to professional psychological support for those in need. Participants will tackle the Freedom Summit Trail, followed by a sunrise hike of Mount Batur.

In collaboration with Actual Rehab Australia, Freedom Summit II propelled Bali Bersama Bisa Mental Health into full operation. Today, the facility boasts 23 full-time staff, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and support workers, alongside numerous volunteers dedicated to providing crucial mental health services.

Today, BISA operates as an online server that provides crisis and emotional support to tens of certified listeners who can arrange one-on-one sessions with those in need.