3 days Ago
Work done by a Chennai headquartered non-governmental organisation working in the field of mental health, Banyan, has been mentioned in a recent publication of the World Health Organisation. The Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans speaks of how persons with mental health needs could be integrated into the community and benefit from it. This is the second time Banyan’s work finds mention in a WHO document.
Nine years ago Banyan evolved on trial basis a housing option under its project ‘Home Again’ for persons who have recovered from mental ailment. The aim was to enable them to reconnect with individuals, families, social networks or provide group housing with long-term family-like group housing with long-time support if needed. Vandana Gopikumar, co-founder and managing trustee said, “Home Again is a model that addresses the need of persons with moderate to severe disabilities with mental health concerns.
It focuses on community inclusion and participation. Instead of looking at continuous stay in an institution we recommend transitioning from large institution like set up to home like set up.” The evidence of the trial led to its being mentioned in the WHO manual, she explained.
“Will there be a change if people from large settings transition to independent houses in regular neighbourhood. We measured the extent of disability, quality of life, and community integration of the persons.” The trial had been conducted for over nine years in three cycles.
“In the first cycle itself we saw there was significant change in community inclusion. “Curiously, we found that their disability level decreased and the quality of life improved. This was with housing and supportive services”, she explained.
The organisation expanded its case across 10 states. It found that when a person’s mobility increased their support network increased and people began participating in community life. WHO has featured in a comprehensive manner the programme in its 2021 edition Guidance on community mental health services: Promoting person-centred and rights-based approaches.
Published - March 30, 2025 12:30 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit mental illness / disabled / non government organizations (NGO).
