Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels Partner with CCC Foundation for the 1333 Mental Health Bikeathon
The 1333 Bikeathon charts a powerful journey across Sri Lanka, from southern coastlines to the heartland, blending purpose with discovery. Along this route, participants will find exclusive accommodation at Heritance Hotels & Resorts, and Aitken Spence Hotels, including Heritance Ahungalla, Heritance Kandalama, Sentido Heritance Negombo and Amethyst Resort Passikudah.
This partnership signals a brand-wide commitment to social responsibility, supporting a cause that affects communities across Sri Lanka. At a time when mental wellness is an increasingly vital conversation, particularly among youth, Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels are proud to stand with the CCC Foundation in amplifying the visibility of the 1333 Hotline as a critical helpline for those in need.
'At the heart of hospitality lies a profound commitment to people, not just those we welcome through our doors, but the communities that we serve and the lives that we touch. Our partnership with the CCC Foundation and our support of the 1333 Bikeathon underscore our belief that social responsibility is not optional, it's essential. Mental health is a deeply human issue, one that transcends boundaries and affects every family, every neighbourhood, every nation. As an industry rooted in human connection, we recognise our duty to lead with empathy, to raise awareness, and to champion meaningful change for the people that we endeavour to serve,' said Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson, Aitken Spence PLC.
In extending this commitment, Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels recognises the profound role travel can play in restoring the mind and uplifting the spirit. Purposeful journeys like the 1333 Bikeathon offer more than physical movement—they create space for reflection, healing, and connection. As the route winds through Sri Lanka's coastlines, lush interiors, and rural heartlands, Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels will document the experience through a visual storytelling series that not only showcases the island's natural beauty but reinforces the importance of mental wellness as a shared national priority.
From empowering a movement of awareness to hosting meaningful moments of rest and rejuvenation along the way, Aitken Spence Hotels is proud to walk, ride and rise with Sri Lanka, within and beyond.
About Heritance Hotels & Resorts
Heritance Hotels and Resorts is the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, a part of Aitken Spence PLC, a leading Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate. Aitken Spence Hotels oversees a diverse collection of 18 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman and India through its diverse collection of brands Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Hotels & Resorts, and Turyaa. Heritance Hotels & Resorts stands as the custodian of the largest portfolio of Bawa designed hotels in Sri Lanka, adding a touch of architectural distinction to its rich offerings.
About Aitken Spence Travels
Aitken Spence Travels is a leading name in the tourism industry and stands as a premier destination management company in Sri Lanka. With over four decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for excellence, offering unparalleled service and unforgettable holiday experiences to our travelers worldwide. As a joint venture between Aitken Spence PLC and TUI Group, our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction remains firm. With a diverse portfolio of tourism activities and a multicultural team of professionals, we continue to lead the way in showcasing the beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka to the global community.
Sachith Fernando
Aitken Spence Hotels
+94 70 168 5223
email us here
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EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
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Associated Press
4 hours ago
- Associated Press
Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels Partner with CCC Foundation for the 1333 Mental Health Bikeathon
COLOMBO, WESTERN PROVINCE, SRI LANKA, August 11, 2025 / / -- Heritance Hotels and Resorts, the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, and Aitken Spence Travels are proud to announce their partnership for the upcoming Bikeathon, organised by the CCC Foundation to raise national awareness for mental health and promote the lifesaving 1333 Mental Health Helpline. The 1333 Bikeathon charts a powerful journey across Sri Lanka, from southern coastlines to the heartland, blending purpose with discovery. Along this route, participants will find exclusive accommodation at Heritance Hotels & Resorts, and Aitken Spence Hotels, including Heritance Ahungalla, Heritance Kandalama, Sentido Heritance Negombo and Amethyst Resort Passikudah. This partnership signals a brand-wide commitment to social responsibility, supporting a cause that affects communities across Sri Lanka. At a time when mental wellness is an increasingly vital conversation, particularly among youth, Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels are proud to stand with the CCC Foundation in amplifying the visibility of the 1333 Hotline as a critical helpline for those in need. 'At the heart of hospitality lies a profound commitment to people, not just those we welcome through our doors, but the communities that we serve and the lives that we touch. Our partnership with the CCC Foundation and our support of the 1333 Bikeathon underscore our belief that social responsibility is not optional, it's essential. Mental health is a deeply human issue, one that transcends boundaries and affects every family, every neighbourhood, every nation. As an industry rooted in human connection, we recognise our duty to lead with empathy, to raise awareness, and to champion meaningful change for the people that we endeavour to serve,' said Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson, Aitken Spence PLC. In extending this commitment, Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels recognises the profound role travel can play in restoring the mind and uplifting the spirit. Purposeful journeys like the 1333 Bikeathon offer more than physical movement—they create space for reflection, healing, and connection. As the route winds through Sri Lanka's coastlines, lush interiors, and rural heartlands, Heritance Hotels & Resorts and Aitken Spence Travels will document the experience through a visual storytelling series that not only showcases the island's natural beauty but reinforces the importance of mental wellness as a shared national priority. From empowering a movement of awareness to hosting meaningful moments of rest and rejuvenation along the way, Aitken Spence Hotels is proud to walk, ride and rise with Sri Lanka, within and beyond. About Heritance Hotels & Resorts Heritance Hotels and Resorts is the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, a part of Aitken Spence PLC, a leading Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate. Aitken Spence Hotels oversees a diverse collection of 18 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman and India through its diverse collection of brands Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Hotels & Resorts, and Turyaa. Heritance Hotels & Resorts stands as the custodian of the largest portfolio of Bawa designed hotels in Sri Lanka, adding a touch of architectural distinction to its rich offerings. About Aitken Spence Travels Aitken Spence Travels is a leading name in the tourism industry and stands as a premier destination management company in Sri Lanka. With over four decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for excellence, offering unparalleled service and unforgettable holiday experiences to our travelers worldwide. As a joint venture between Aitken Spence PLC and TUI Group, our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction remains firm. With a diverse portfolio of tourism activities and a multicultural team of professionals, we continue to lead the way in showcasing the beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka to the global community. Sachith Fernando Aitken Spence Hotels +94 70 168 5223 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
OpenAI Takes Calculated Move To Navigate Treacherous Waters Of ChatGPT AI Giving Out Mental Health Advice
In today's column, I examine the newly announced changes to ChatGPT by OpenAI that are being undertaken to navigate the treacherous waters of AI producing mental health advice. I say that this is a treacherous predicament because generative AI and large language models (LLMs) can potentially produce foul psychological advice and even generate therapeutically harmful guidance. The difficulty for AI makers is that, on the one hand, they relish that users are flocking to AI for mental health insights, but at the same time, the AI makers desperately want to avoid legal liability and reputational ruin if their AI spurs people toward mental ruin rather than mental well-being. Let's talk about it. This analysis of AI breakthroughs is part of my ongoing Forbes column coverage on the latest in AI, including identifying and explaining various impactful AI complexities (see the link here). AI And Mental Health Therapy As a quick background, I've been extensively covering and analyzing a myriad of facets regarding the advent of modern-era AI that produces mental health advice and performs AI-driven therapy. This rising use of AI has principally been spurred by the evolving advances and widespread adoption of generative AI. For a quick summary of some of my posted columns on this evolving topic, see the link here, which briefly recaps about forty of the over one hundred column postings that I've made on the subject. There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors too. I frequently speak up about these pressing matters, including in an appearance last year on an episode of CBS's 60 Minutes, see the link here. OpenAI Latest Announcement An announcement on August 4, 2025, by OpenAI entitled 'What we're optimizing ChatGPT for' provides intriguing clues as to the business and societal struggles of allowing generative AI and LLMs to provide mental health advice. I will, in a moment, walk you through the key points and explain the backstory on what is really going on. Here is some important context. To begin with, it's important to recognize that one of the most popular ways people are using generative AI today is for addressing mental health concerns, see my coverage at the link here. This trend is understandable. Generative AI is widely accessible, typically low-cost or free, and available around the clock. Anyone feeling mentally unsettled or concerned can simply log in and start a conversation, any time of day or night. This is in sharp contrast to the effort and expense involved in seeing a human therapist. Next, generative AI is willing to engage on mental health topics endlessly. There are essentially no time limits, no hesitation, no steep hourly rates ticking away. In fact, these systems are often designed to be highly affirming and agreeable, sometimes to the point of excessive flattery. I've pointed out before that this kind of overly supportive interaction can sidestep the harder truths and constructive confrontation that are sometimes essential in genuine mental health counseling (see my analysis at the link here). Finally, the companies behind these AI systems are in a tricky spot. By allowing their models to respond to mental health issues, they're potentially exposing themselves to serious legal risks and reputational damage. This is especially the case if the AI dispenses unhelpful or harmful advice. Thus far, they've managed to avoid any major public fallout, but the danger is constantly looming as these LLMs continue to be used in quasi-therapeutic roles. AI Makers Making Do You might wonder why the AI makers don't just shut off the capability of their AI to produce mental health insights. That would solve the problem of the business exposures involved. Well, as noted above, this is the top attractor for people to use generative AI. It would be usurping the cash cow, or like capping an oil well that is gushing out liquid gold. An imprudent strategy. The next best thing to do is to attempt to minimize the risks and hope that the gusher can keep flowing. One aspect that the AI makers have already undertaken is to emphasize in their online licensing agreements that users aren't supposed to use the AI for mental health advice, see my coverage at the link here. The aim is that by telling users not to use the AI in this manner, perhaps the AI maker can shield itself from adverse exposure. The thing is, despite the warnings, the AI makers often do whatever they can to essentially encourage or support the use of their AI for this claimed-to-be don't use capacity. Some would insist this is a wink-wink of trying to play both sides of the gambit at the same time, see my discussion at the link here. In any case, AI makers are cognizant that since they are allowing their AI to be used for therapy, they ought to try and keep the AI somewhat in check. This might minimize their risks or at least be later evidence that they made a yeoman's effort to do the right thing. Meanwhile, they can hold their head high in taking overt steps to seemingly reduce the potential for harm and improve the chances of being beneficial. ChatGPT Latest Changes In the OpenAI official blog posting 'What we're optimizing ChatGPT for,' that was posted on August 4, 2025, these notable points were made (excerpts): Let's go ahead and unpack some of these points. Detecting Mental Health Signs A frequent criticism of using AI to perform mental health therapy is that the AI might computationally overlook serious signs exhibited by a user, perhaps involving delusions, dependencies, and other crucial cognitive conditions. For example, a user might say that they are interested in learning about depression, and at the same time be asking about ways that people have tried to hurt themselves. A human therapist would almost certainly pick up on the dark undertones and want to explore the potential for self-harm. AI might not make that kind of human behavioral connection and blab endlessly on the topics without catching the drift of the intentions involved. Even if the AI does manage to discern a potential issue, the question arises as to what the AI should do about it. Some would argue that the AI should immediately report the person to mental health authorities. The problem there is that a ton of false reports are bound to be made. It could be a tsunami of misreports. In addition, people are going to be steamed that the AI snitched on them, especially if they were innocently chatting and their efforts had no bearing on anything of a dire nature. Another angle is that perhaps the AI should engage the user in a dialogue about their possible mental health condition. The problem there is that the AI is essentially rendering a therapeutic diagnosis. Again, this could be erroneous. In addition, people who aren't in that plight would undoubtedly be upset that the AI has turned in that direction. A strident case could be made that the AI might be causing greater mental disturbance than being avidly helpful. Here's where things are. Research is underway to improve how AI makes these kinds of tough calls and does so in a sensible, evidence-based fashion, see my discussion at the link here. Step by step, it is anticipated that advances in AI for mental health will gradually diminish the false positives and false negatives and be a reliable and steady diagnostic tool. Asking Questions Vs. Giving Answers The way that generative AI and LLMs have been shaped by AI makers is to generally give a user an answer, handing the answer to them on a silver platter. The belief is that users do not want to slog through a series of back-and-forth entreaties. They want the bottom line. If a user asks a question, quickly and without hesitation, plop out an answer. An issue with this approach is that the AI might not have sufficient info from the user to produce an adequate answer. There is a tradeoff involved. An AI that asks a lot of follow-up questions to a given question is likely to be irritating to users. The users will opt to use some other AI. They expect a fast-food delivery of answers. Period, end of story. In the case of mental health circumstances, it is rare that a one-and-done approach will be suitable. Think about how therapists work. They use what is commonly known as talk therapy. They talk with a client or patient to get the needed details. The aim is not to just rush to judgment. But AI is programmed by AI makers to purposely rush to judgment in order to spit out an answer to any given question. For more on the similarities and differences between AI-based therapy and the work of human therapists, see my analysis at the link here. We are gradually witnessing a bit of a shift in the philosophy and business practice of having AI provide instantaneous knee-jerk responses. OpenAI recently released its ChatGPT Study Mode, a feature that allows learners and students to be led incrementally by AI toward arriving at answers. A complaint about AI used by students is that the students don't do any of the heavy lifting. The idea is that users can activate AI into a teaching mode and, ergo, no longer be trapped in the instant oatmeal conundrum. For the details of how the learner-oriented ChatGPT Study Mode works, see my explanation at the link here. The same overarching principles of collaborative interactivity can readily be applied to mental health guidance. When a user says they have this or that mental concern, the AI doesn't necessarily have to leap to an abrupt conclusion. Instead, the AI can shift into a more interactive mode of trying to adroitly ferret out more details and remain engaging and informative. This is referred to in the AI field as enabling new behaviors for AI that are particularly fruitful in high-stakes situations, such as when someone is faced with a mental health concern or other paramount personal decision. You can expect to see the major AI makers increasingly adopting these kinds of add-on or supplemental innovative approaches into their LLMs. Mental Health Booster Or Buster An ongoing debate entails whether the use of AI for mental health advisement on a population-level basis is going to be a positive outcome or a negative outcome. We are immersed in a grand experiment right now. Millions and possibly billions of people across the globe are turning to everyday AI to get their mental health concerns aired and possibly seeking cures accordingly. Everyone is a guinea pig in an unguided and wanton impactful experiment. What does this bode for the near-term mental health of the population? And what about the longer-term impacts on the human mind and societal interactions? See my analysis of the potential widespread impacts at the link here. If AI can do a proper job on this heady task, then the world will be a lot better off. You see, many people cannot otherwise afford or gain access to human therapists, but access to AI is generally plentiful in comparison. It could be that AI for mental health will greatly benefit the mental status of humankind. A dour counterargument is that AI might be the worst destroyer of mental health in the history of humanity. Boom, drop the mic. Nobody knows for sure, and only time will tell. As per the famous words of Marcus Aurelius: 'The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.' Whether AI and our shaping of AI will take us in the proper direction is the zillion-dollar question of the hour.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Could This Psychedelic Drug Stock Be a Top Buy for 2026?
Amid a global mental health crisis, the demand for new and effective treatment options is on the rise, particularly in the realm of psychedelic-assisted therapies. Experts believe the psychedelic drug market will grow from $4.1 billion in 2025 to an impressive $7.8 billion by 2030, reflecting a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. As the space gains traction, one small biotech company has caught some investors' attention: Mind Medicine (MNMD), also known as MindMed for short. In its most recent earnings update, MindMed reported solid progress with enrollment across three pivotal Phase 3 trials for its lead candidate, MM120, a refined version of recreational drug lysergide d-tartrate (LSD) currently being studied for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). More News from Barchart Supermicro's Earnings Selloff Explained: Should You Buy SMCI Stock Now? Amazon's $36M Bet on Quantum Computing: What Investors Need to Know AMD Stock Slips After Q2 Earnings, But Here's Why It's a Buying Opportunity Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now! Topline data from these trials is expected in 2026, setting the stage for a potential commercial launch by 2028. And analysts are also beginning to take notice. Oppenheimer, for example, recently expressed optimism based on what it believes could be 'powerful' Phase 3 data next year. So, with clinical milestones approaching, would it be wise to buy the shares of this psychedelic drugmaker? About Mind Medicine Stock MindMed is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. Its most advanced program, MM120, is currently in Phase 3 trials for GAD. Another key candidate, MM402, an MDMA-related compound, is in Phase 1 trials and being studied for its potential to address core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With a pipeline focused on conditions that often lack effective long-term solutions, the company is aiming to bring a fresh approach to mental health treatment. Valued at roughly $747 million by market capitalization, shares of this psychedelic therapy-focused company are gaining traction as investors take note of its advancing clinical pipeline and growing role in mental health innovation. Over the past year, shares have risen 34%, and the rally has only intensified in 2025 with a year-to-date (YTD) gain of 41%. That easily tops the broader S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 22% gain over the past year and its 8% rise so far this year. Most notably, MindMed has surged 49% in just the last three months, highlighting growing investor interest. A Look Inside Mind Medicine's Q2 Earnings MindMed's fiscal 2025 second-quarter earnings, released on July 31, painted a mixed picture as the company deepens its push into late-stage development. The pre-revenue biotech firm posted a loss of $0.50 per share, widening from a loss of $0.26 a year ago and missing Wall Street's forecast of a $0.38 loss per share. The shortfall was driven by a sharp increase in research and development expenses, which surged 103.5% year-over-year (YOY) to $29.8 million, primarily due to the advancement of the MM120 program. While the company is investing heavily in advancing the MM120 program, one area of concern is the limited insight into the treatment's long-term effectiveness. So far, Phase 2 data only tracks results up to 12 weeks, leaving questions about how durable the benefits may be over an extended period. That said, MindMed's financial position remains strong. As of June 30, the company reported $237.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, enough to support operations into 2027 and beyond the first topline readout from its Phase 3 MM120 ODT trial. Meanwhile, clinical progress continues to move forward. MindMed remains on schedule with enrollment across three pivotal Phase 3 trials — Voyage, Panorama, and Emerge — which are focused on MM120 ODT for the treatment of GAD and MDD. These studies are designed to assess the efficacy of MM120 ODT as a standalone treatment, without the need for psychotherapy. The company expects topline data from its Phase 3 Voyage trial in the first half of 2026, followed by Panorama and Emerge in the second half. What Do Analysts Think About Mind Medicine Stock While investors' reaction to the company's Q2 results was somewhat underwhelming, sentiment took a sharp positive turn on Aug. 4 when shares jumped nearly 11% following an upgrade from Oppenheimer. Analyst Jay Olson lifted the psychedelic drug developer to an 'Outperform' rating and set a 12- to 18-month price target of $25, citing the promising potential of its lead candidate, MM120. Olson highlighted MM120's 'unique clinical profile,' describing it as a pharmaceutical form of LSD that delivers a less intense but longer-lasting psychedelic experience compared to other approaches. The analyst also emphasized the drug's potential in treating neuropsychiatric conditions like GAD and MDD. Backing his optimism, Olson noted encouraging Phase 2 trial data for MM120 in GAD, which showed favorable remission rates as well as a favorable safety and tolerability profile over a 12-week period. In his view, MindMed remains undervalued and is strategically positioned ahead of its anticipated Phase 3 readout Overall, MNMD stock has earned a resounding vote of confidence on Wall Street, carrying a consensus rating of 'Strong Buy.' Of the 11 analysts covering the stock, a majority of 10 analysts recommend a "Strong Buy" while the remaining one gives a 'Moderate Buy' rating. The average analyst price target of $25 indicates significant upside potential of 157% from the current price levels. Final Thoughts While MindMed's journey comes with the usual biotech risks — especially given its pre-revenue status, rising R&D costs, and questions around the long-term durability of MM120's effects — the company's progress in late-stage trials, strong financial position, and growing confidence from Wall Street paint an encouraging picture. For investors comfortable with biotech volatility and looking to gain exposure to the emerging psychedelic therapy space, MindMed could be a promising buy ahead of its anticipated Phase 3 milestones in 2026. On the date of publication, Anushka Mukherji did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. 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