We change lives every day by providing much-needed support in local communities, and by influencing decision makers to build responsive services that will meet people’s mental health needs.
On top of this, we do all we can to maximise the gifts of our generous supporters so they have the biggest impact possible on people’s lives.
This is what makes the work of Jaya Mental Health so incredibly special.
The five key areas of our work
1
We unleash the potential of frontline healthcare workers
Who we help
In the developing countries of South Asia, nurses, health assistants and community health volunteers hold a huge potential to transform the lives of people affected by mental illness.
However, they often have significant gaps in their training and experience to provide good mental health support; and they are rarely given opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge.
What we do
A central part of our work involves us training, empowering and equipping healthcare professionals and volunteers so they can effectively treat and support people affected by mental illness.
We also work with this vital workforce to ensure their voices are heard, helping them play a key role in the shaping of new and existing services.
The impact
Local frontline health workers are the most important resource we have access to. Providing expert training to them establishes long-term support for people affected by mental illness and helps to increase understanding of good mental health and break down long-held prejudice.
Training healthcare workers is also an extremely cost-effective way to have a big impact. Just £XX is enough to train a community health volunteer who can then go on to provide mental health support to their community for many years.
2
We help people who receive no support at all
Who we help
In the developing countries of South Asia, nurses, health assistants and community health volunteers hold a huge potential to transform the lives of people affected by mental illness.
However, they often have significant gaps in their training and experience to provide good mental health support; and they are rarely given opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge.
What we do
To change this, we travel to neglected and hard-to-reach areas that often receive little or no support from the government or other international charities.
Once there, we train community health volunteers to provide treatment and support to people affected by mental illness.
We also run temporary walk-in clinics where people can speak to a team of mental health professionals, be comprehensively assessed, and receive medication and talking therapies, if necessary.
The impact
Imagine what it must feel like to receive good mental health support after struggling with a condition such as schizophrenia for many years and receiving no help at all.
This is the difference we make in neglected and hard-to-reach areas; and it is why our work has been welcomed so much by local people and local government.
3
We develop tailored solutions for local people
Who we help
We know communities throughout South Asia can be very different, even if they are located close to each other geographically.
This is why we work hard to make sure every one of our projects is tailored to the community we are supporting and focused on meeting its population’s specific needs.
What we do
From the planning stage of a project, we do our utmost to speak to every party that may be relevant to it. This includes people who may benefit from a new service, local healthcare professionals, community and religious leaders, and even people who could appear to be at odds with our work, such as faith healers.
The impact
Our determination to understand the specific needs of a community, what resources are available to us and any potential religious, political or practical issues is critical to the success of our projects.
It ensures we support people in a way that’s right for them and their community; and it prevents us wasting valuable time, effort and money on potential solutions that are ultimately deemed unsuitable or inappropriate.
4
We influence key decision makers
Who we help
To ensure more people affected by mental illness in South Asia receive the support they need, and to challenge social stigma and prejudice, we know it’s critical that we educate and influence key decision makers on a local and national level.
What we do
We raise awareness of mental health issues and build strong relationships with local and central government, and influential organisations such as the World Health Organisation.
This gives us an opportunity to open people’s eyes to the overall impact of untreated mental illness, eg poverty, homelessness and other forms of disadvantage, and highlight the best ways to provide treatment and support to people in South Asia.
In addition, we draw attention to the shocking statistic that just 6% of research into mental health has been carried out in low and middle-income countries, even though 80% of the people in the world with mental health problems live in these countries.
The impact
Our work with key decision makers is raising vital awareness about mental health issues in South Asia and resulting in vital action that is changing people’s lives. For example, our work with local governments in rural areas of Nepal is leading to the establishment of a growing number of mental health walk-in clinics.
However, we know this is just the beginning of our journey. We must fight for much greater change and influence many more decision makers if we are to ensure everyone who needs mental health support in South Asia receives it.
5
We ensure your gifts go as far as possible
Who we help
We know there are lots of organisations deserving of your support. And that it is hard for some people to support a cause they feel passionate about because they simply can’t afford to spare any money.
This is why we make sure your gifts go as far as possible and have the greatest impact on the lives of people affected by mental illness in South Asia.
What we do
To make our supporters’ gifts go further, we maximise existing structures and resources in a local area so we can do more with less.
In fact, all our projects are initiated by local partner groups or organisations, local NGOs, community initiatives, or hospital and university departments.
They are already making a difference to their communities but typically need to develop their mental health support skills and knowledge to a higher level.
The impact
Our approach deepens impact instead of duplicating it. It also ensures our projects are culturally relevant and draw on the knowledge, connections and enthusiasm of local people.
Be part of our journey