Our life-changing projects
Reaching remote
communities
One of the key elements of our work is reaching and supporting people who receive no mental health support at all. Currently, this involves us delivering a vital but challenging programme of support in a mountainous region of Nepal that has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. In the future, we hope to reach many more remote communities across South Asia.
Establishing mental health
walk-in clinics in Ilam, Nepal
In the mountainous Ilam district, a region that has one of the highest rates of suicide in Nepal, we have established a monthly mental health walk-in clinic that assesses local people and provides them with talking therapies, social support, and if they need it, medication. Via Jaya’s free mental health walk-in service, we brought mental health specialists to the region for the first time in its recent history. The people who attend the clinic are typically referred by local female community health volunteers (FCHV) or hear about it on the local radio; some walk over four hours to access this clinic.
So far, we have supported over 226 people but continue to receive growing levels of referrals showing there are still unmet needs in the local community.
Training local staff
and volunteers
In rural Nepal, health assistants (HAs) and female community health volunteers (FCHVs) receive basic training before carrying out home visits to convey key health messages, including information about vaccinations, child birth and HIV prevention. However, despite mental illness being prolific in rural communities, these health workers rarely receive mental health training.
To change this, we are training HAs and FCHVs in basic mental healthcare and diagnosis, doing all we can to increase their status in their communities, and getting them involved in the shaping and delivery of services. As part of this training, we raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues to tackle the stigma and prejudice that surrounds mental illness.
Tapping into this local resource is a cost-effective way of creating services when there are none. Our aim is to establish sustainable, long-term local mental health support for the people who live in rural regions.
“I can’t express my happiness and
gratitude towards you and your team.
I keep remembering you all every day
and night that you came to our place and
cured the illness that was so difficult to
manage.“
Durga, a service user from our Ilam clinic
Upskilling staff
at indigenous-led projects
The grassroots initiatives that we work with are run by wonderful local people. They have enormous compassion for people with mental health problems but typically don’t have the mental health skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality support.
Trauma centre for trafficked and abused children, Kathmandu, Nepal
This invaluable centre in Kathmandu provides a safe place for children who have suffered abuse such as gang rape and forced prostitution and are now struggling with debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder.
To ensure these children receive the support they need, we have trained the centre’s staff since 2018 so they can offer effective treatment which is non-confrontational, culturally and age-appropriate, and avoids an over reliance on medication. This treatment includes talking therapies and art and play therapy.
Rescue centre for the homeless, Kathmandu, Nepal
This project supports homeless and marginalised people struggling with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or severe depression. A significant proportion of its patients are women who have been abandoned by their families because of their mental illness.
Since 2017, we have trained staff on violence prevention and how to prepare people for life after they leave the centre. This includes educating patients about the importance of continuing to take their medication.
In addition, we’ve helped staff to organise group sessions that teach people about different aspects of wellness, including diet, family and social life. And we’ve worked with whole families to help them think about family dynamics, duties and responsibilities and how they can provide the most effective support to a loved one struggling with mental illness.
“Since working with Jaya Mental Health, the staff here feel much more confident supporting those with severe mental health conditions.
We’ve also been able to significantly reduce the use of restraint which has had a really positive affect on staff-patient relationships and the recovery process."
Sangita Laudari, Psychologist
Reaching remote communities
One of the key elements of our work is reaching and supporting people who receive no mental health support at all. Currently, this includes a vital but challenging project in a mountainous region of Nepal that has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. In the future, we hope to reach many more remote communities across South Asia.
Training female community health volunteers in Ilam, Nepal
In rural Nepal, female community health volunteers (FCHVs) receive basic training before carrying out home visits to convey key health messages, including information about vaccinations, child birth and HIV prevention. Over recent years, this work has significantly contributed to a reduction in child mortality and an increase in the uptake of immunisation.
However, despite mental illness being prolific in rural communities, these health workers rarely receive mental health training. But now, thanks to our supporters, we are changing this. We are training FCHVs in basic mental healthcare and diagnosis, doing all we can to increase their status in their communities, and getting them involved in the shaping and delivery of services.
Already, this project has been so successful in Ilam that the local government has asked us to expand our work into other regions. This project has huge potential to be scaled-up in order to reach rural communities across South Asia.
Establishing mental health walk-in clinics in Ilam, Nepal
In the mountainous Ilam district, we have also established a monthly mental health walk-in clinic that assesses local people and provides them with medication and talking therapies. The people who attend the clinic are typically referred to it by female community health volunteers (FCHV) or hear about it on the local radio.
In addition to running the walk-in clinic, we are also providing specialist training to psychiatrists, nurses and medical students from the Nepal Medical College. The aim of this work is to establish sustainable, long-term mental health support for the people who live in the region.
Similar to our work with FCHVs, the local government in the region has asked us to establish walk-in clinics in other areas of this part of Nepal.
After 6 months of receiving treatment from our mental health walk-in clinic
76%of service users felt valuable and useful
70%of service users felt able to enjoy normal day-to-day activities
Increasing children’s access to mental health support in their communities
As in many areas of South Asia, children in Nepal are at high risk of being affected by factors which adversely affect their mental health. These include poverty, child labour, trafficking and exploitation, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding.
Despite this very concerning issue, mental illness in Nepal, and especially amongst young people, has been largely ignored. The government allocates less than 1% of its total health budget to mental health, and child and adolescent mental health services receive a negligible portion of this.
To change this unacceptable situation, we are constantly exploring how we can increase children’s and young people’s access to mental health support in their communities.
Training school nurses (starting 2020)
In 2019, the Nepalese government allocated 430 qualified nurses to schools across the country. This new role is of great significance for school-age children, and especially those living in rural areas. This is because a school nurse is often the only qualified health professional a child, as well their parents, teachers and sometimes whole communities, have access to.
Certainly, the introduction of the school nurses is a positive step in the right direction. However, because they typically work in isolation, receive very little support and lack mental health support skills, the nurses are currently unable to provide effective support to children and young people with mental health and emotional problems.
Thankfully, the Nepalese government has also identified this issue and asked us to train all the nurses so they have basic counselling and mental health nursing skills. A hugely important programme of work that we will begin in September 2020.
340,000Every year around 340,000 Nepali adolescents attempt suicide
430school nurses
21,500children
7provinces
We are training over 430 school nurses in life saving healthcare skills, reaching out to some 21,500 children and adolescents across the 7 provinces of Nepal.
Empowering nurses to improve mental health support
In South Asia, nurses (who are predominantly female) are often best placed to provide direct mental health support to people and shape services so they are as effective as possible. But in the region, nurses, and especially psychiatric nurses, are greatly undervalued and sit at the bottom of a hierarchy of decision-making power that’s dominated by doctors (who are predominantly male).
To change this situation, we are providing mental health training to nurses and campaigning for decision makers to involve them in the shaping of services.
Training general and psychiatric nurses in Gokarneshwar, Nepal
At a large training hospital in Gokarneshwar, we run training programmes for general and psychiatric nurses that help them to meet the emotional and mental health needs of their patients. This includes us teaching nurses how to communicate effectively with their patients to establish trust and rapport, and how to help patients become more invested in their own recovery.
We have also worked with the hospital’s psychiatric nurses to advance their understanding of different therapies, because medication was previously the only treatment on offer. From 2018, this has included an art therapist from Jaya Mental Health holding sessions for patients. Initially, their work was met with scepticism; but after witnessing how it helped people to explore their thoughts and feelings, the therapy has been well received by staff on the psychiatric ward.
On top of improving the direct support provided by female nurses, we’ve encouraged and trained these women to be active decision makers rather than passive receivers of instructions; and we’ve created opportunities for them to work with key decision makers so they can influence and shape mental healthcare services.
Overall, we believe this programme of work has the potential to totally transform mental healthcare and recovery in Nepal if it becomes embedded in hospitals throughout the country.
“As nurses, our experience is not always recognised and appreciated by others. Jaya Mental Health has helped me realise that I am of value to myself and others.”
Rekha Karanjit, Staff Nurse
“Jaya Mental Health helped me understand the importance of offering person-centred care on the ward. Being a good listener and caring towards those we work with can really make a difference in their process of recovery”
Pratikshya Rai Staff Nurse, Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
Increasing mental health awareness to protect vulnerable people
In South Asia, a lack of education and awareness means stigma and prejudice still surrounds mental illness. This frequently leads to people, including healthcare professionals, ostracising and discriminating against those with a mental health problem.
This is why we are working hard to ensure healthcare professionals, key decision makers and the general public understand and recognise the causes, symptoms and support options for mental health problems.
Training healthcare staff in Rawalpindi, Pakistan (starting Spring 2021)
According to the World Health Organisation, the prevalence of mental health disorders in Pakistan is steadily rising against a background of growing insecurity, economic instability and terrorism. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has made things worse. In addition, mental health care infrastructure is dilapidated and, in some cases, inhumane.
Despite the high incidence of mental illness, the vast majority of healthcare staff working across Pakistan’s health services are unable to diagnose or treat mental health problems, and many discriminate against patients with mental illness.
To improve this situation, we will deliver mental health awareness training to hospital-based healthcare professionals – this will include identifying mental illness, providing effective support, understanding the challenges of mental illness and the associated stigma and discrimination.
As a result, patients who have mental health problems will have their needs assessed and be provided with support that will improve their quality of life.
Our life-changing projects mobile
Upskilling staff
at indigenous-led projects
The grassroots initiatives that we work with are run by wonderful local people. They have enormous compassion for people with mental health problems but typically don’t have the mental health skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality support.
Trauma centre for trafficked and abused children, Kathmandu, Nepal
This invaluable centre in Kathmandu provides a safe place for children who have suffered abuse such as gang rape and forced prostitution and are now struggling with debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder.
To ensure these children receive the support they need, we have trained the centre’s staff since 2018 so they can offer effective treatment which is non-confrontational, culturally and age-appropriate, and avoids an over reliance on medication. This treatment includes talking therapies and art and play therapy.
Rescue centre for the homeless, Kathmandu, Nepal
This project supports homeless and marginalised people struggling with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or severe depression. A significant proportion of its patients are women who have been abandoned by their families because of their mental illness.
Since 2017, we have trained staff on violence prevention and how to prepare people for life after they leave the centre. This includes educating patients about the importance of continuing to take their medication.
In addition, we’ve helped staff to organise group sessions that teach people about different aspects of wellness, including diet, family and social life. And we’ve worked with whole families to help them think about family dynamics, duties and responsibilities and how they can provide the most effective support to a loved one struggling with mental illness.
“Since working with Jaya Mental Health, the staff here feel much more confident supporting those with severe mental health conditions.
We’ve also been able to significantly reduce the use of restraint which has had a really positive affect on staff-patient relationships and the recovery process."
Sangita Laudari, Psychologist
Reaching remote communities
One of the key elements of our work is reaching and supporting people who receive no mental health support at all. Currently, this includes a vital but challenging project in a mountainous region of Nepal that has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. In the future, we hope to reach many more remote communities across South Asia.
Training female community health volunteers in Ilam, Nepal
In rural Nepal, female community health volunteers (FCHVs) receive basic training before carrying out home visits to convey key health messages, including information about vaccinations, child birth and HIV prevention. Over recent years, this work has significantly contributed to a reduction in child mortality and an increase in the uptake of immunisation.
However, despite mental illness being prolific in rural communities, these health workers rarely receive mental health training. But now, thanks to our supporters, we are changing this. We are training FCHVs in basic mental healthcare and diagnosis, doing all we can to increase their status in their communities, and getting them involved in the shaping and delivery of services.
Already, this project has been so successful in Ilam that the local government has asked us to expand our work into other regions. This project has huge potential to be scaled-up in order to reach rural communities across South Asia.
Establishing mental health walk-in clinics in Ilam, Nepal
In the mountainous Ilam district, we have also established a monthly mental health walk-in clinic that assesses local people and provides them with medication and talking therapies. The people who attend the clinic are typically referred to it by female community health volunteers (FCHV) or hear about it on the local radio.
In addition to running the walk-in clinic, we are also providing specialist training to psychiatrists, nurses and medical students from the Nepal Medical College. The aim of this work is to establish sustainable, long-term mental health support for the people who live in the region.
Similar to our work with FCHVs, the local government in the region has asked us to establish walk-in clinics in other areas of this part of Nepal.
After 6 months of receiving treatment from our mental health walk-in clinic
76%of service users felt valuable and useful
70%of service users felt able to enjoy normal day-to-day activities
Increasing children’s access to mental health support in their communities
As in many areas of South Asia, children in Nepal are at high risk of being affected by factors which adversely affect their mental health. These include poverty, child labour, trafficking and exploitation, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding.
Despite this very concerning issue, mental illness in Nepal, and especially amongst young people, has been largely ignored. The government allocates less than 1% of its total health budget to mental health, and child and adolescent mental health services receive a negligible portion of this.
To change this unacceptable situation, we are constantly exploring how we can increase children’s and young people’s access to mental health support in their communities.
Training school nurses (starting 2020)
In 2019, the Nepalese government allocated 430 qualified nurses to schools across the country. This new role is of great significance for school-age children, and especially those living in rural areas. This is because a school nurse is often the only qualified health professional a child, as well their parents, teachers and sometimes whole communities, have access to.
Certainly, the introduction of the school nurses is a positive step in the right direction. However, because they typically work in isolation, receive very little support and lack mental health support skills, the nurses are currently unable to provide effective support to children and young people with mental health and emotional problems.
Thankfully, the Nepalese government has also identified this issue and asked us to train all the nurses so they have basic counselling and mental health nursing skills. A hugely important programme of work that we will begin in September 2020.
340,000Every year around 340,000 Nepali adolescents attempt suicide
430school nurses
21,500children
7provinces
We are training over 430 school nurses in life saving healthcare skills, reaching out to some 21,500 children and adolescents across the 7 provinces of Nepal.
Empowering nurses to improve mental health support
In South Asia, nurses (who are predominantly female) are often best placed to provide direct mental health support to people and shape services so they are as effective as possible. But in the region, nurses, and especially psychiatric nurses, are greatly undervalued and sit at the bottom of a hierarchy of decision-making power that’s dominated by doctors (who are predominantly male).
To change this situation, we are providing mental health training to nurses and campaigning for decision makers to involve them in the shaping of services.
Training general and psychiatric nurses in Gokarneshwar, Nepal
At a large training hospital in Gokarneshwar, we run training programmes for general and psychiatric nurses that help them to meet the emotional and mental health needs of their patients. This includes us teaching nurses how to communicate effectively with their patients to establish trust and rapport, and how to help patients become more invested in their own recovery.
We have also worked with the hospital’s psychiatric nurses to advance their understanding of different therapies, because medication was previously the only treatment on offer. From 2018, this has included an art therapist from Jaya Mental Health holding sessions for patients. Initially, their work was met with scepticism; but after witnessing how it helped people to explore their thoughts and feelings, the therapy has been well received by staff on the psychiatric ward.
On top of improving the direct support provided by female nurses, we’ve encouraged and trained these women to be active decision makers rather than passive receivers of instructions; and we’ve created opportunities for them to work with key decision makers so they can influence and shape mental healthcare services.
Overall, we believe this programme of work has the potential to totally transform mental healthcare and recovery in Nepal if it becomes embedded in hospitals throughout the country.
“As nurses, our experience is not always recognised and appreciated by others. Jaya Mental Health has helped me realise that I am of value to myself and others.”
Rekha Karanjit, Staff Nurse
“Jaya Mental Health helped me understand the importance of offering person-centred care on the ward. Being a good listener and caring towards those we work with can really make a difference in their process of recovery”
Pratikshya Rai Staff Nurse, Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
Increasing mental health awareness to protect vulnerable people
In South Asia, a lack of education and awareness means stigma and prejudice still surrounds mental illness. This frequently leads to people, including healthcare professionals, ostracising and discriminating against those with a mental health problem.
This is why we are working hard to ensure healthcare professionals, key decision makers and the general public understand and recognise the causes, symptoms and support options for mental health problems.
Training healthcare staff in Rawalpindi, Pakistan (starting Spring 2021)
According to the World Health Organisation, the prevalence of mental health disorders in Pakistan is steadily rising against a background of growing insecurity, economic instability and terrorism. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has made things worse. In addition, mental health care infrastructure is dilapidated and, in some cases, inhumane.
Despite the high incidence of mental illness, the vast majority of healthcare staff working across Pakistan’s health services are unable to diagnose or treat mental health problems, and many discriminate against patients with mental illness.
To improve this situation, we will deliver mental health awareness training to hospital-based healthcare professionals – this will include identifying mental illness, providing effective support, understanding the challenges of mental illness and the associated stigma and discrimination.
As a result, patients who have mental health problems will have their needs assessed and be provided with support that will improve their quality of life.
Why mental health in South Asia mobile
Millions of people in South Asia are affected by mental illness.
Yet this is largely ignored by governments and often even international development agencies.
For every individual struggling with mental illness, many others also suffer. This is especially true for women and girls, who often have to give up jobs and education to care for a relative with a mental illness.
But the good news is that with the right care and support mental health problems can be effectively treated. This leads to happier individuals, fewer people falling into poverty, and better life chances for women and children, and especially girls.
Our five big reasons for focusing on mental health in South Asia
Millions of people in South Asia experience extreme poverty, food insecurity, natural disasters and physical illness or disability – these are all risk factors for mental illness, and so it is not surprising that so many struggle with mental health problems.
80%
of people in the world who have mental health problems live in low or middle-income countries
This is why Jaya Mental Health is determined to reach and support as many people as possible.
It is very common for communities in South Asia to ostracise and discriminate against people with a mental illness. There is very little education or awareness around mental health, and it is commonly believed that mental illness is the result of evil spirits or punishment for immoral behaviour.
Human rights abuses are also common, including families even chaining up or caging a relative to avoid public shame.
“Before getting help from Jaya Mental Health, some people used to get scared and run away when they saw me. I use to think, “Why are they afraid of me?”, and felt hurt and sad.”
Chandra, a patient at our mental health walk-in clinic in Eastern Nepal
This is why Jaya Mental Health is working hard to challenge misconceptions and prejudices, and advocating on behalf of people with a mental health problem.
It is estimated that 76 to 85% of people with serious mental disorders do not receive treatment in low-income countries
Most low-income countries in South Asia spend less than 1% of their healthcare budget on mental healthcare. Treatment is usually non-existent – when it is available it’s generally totally inadequate.
On top of this, many healthcare professionals labelled as mental health workers have received no training, and they can even be prejudiced towards people with mental problems themselves.
In low-income countries, the number of mental health workers can be as small as 2 per 100,000 people, compared with more than 70 in high-income countries.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is focused on training, equipping and empowering existing healthcare professionals in South Asia so they can provide high-quality mental health support.
In South Asia, there is a close link between mental illness and poverty, homelessness and other forms of disadvantage.
This is because people with a mental health problem may not be able to work due to a lack of treatment. Or they may lose their job or be denied work opportunities because of prejudice and discrimination.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is committed to reaching the most vulnerable and helping them get the support they need so they can secure employment.
When mental illness is treated incredible things can happen.
Good mental health not only means healthier and happier individuals; it can also lead to positive change in many other areas too.
Helps people escape from poverty
Receiving the right treatment can help a person to continue working or secure a job – giving them the chance to lift themselves and their family out of poverty.
Saves the lives of mothers and their children
In developing countries mental illness is a particular problem amongst new mothers – many then struggle to look after their babies and other children, leading to neglect, hunger and even death. Suicide is a major cause of death for this group of women.
Treating maternal mental health problems keeps children safe and helps families to flourish.
Keeps girls in school
In South Asian countries, when there’s mental illness in the family it’s often girls who suffer the most. They are the ones most likely to take on the role of carers and to miss out on school. Factors such as gender discrimination and violence, and child marriage put girls at high risk of struggling with mental illness themselves. Without supportive communities girls are further at risk from dropping out of school.
"Before coming to the clinic I felt frightened and fearful of everything and everyone.All that has changed now, I feel much better and happier - I feel completely different."
Bimala, a patient at our mental health walk-in clinic in Eastern Nepal
Our life-changing projects
Upskilling staff
at indigenous-led projects
The grassroots initiatives that we work with are run by wonderful local people. They have enormous compassion for people with mental health problems but typically don’t have the mental health skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality support.
Trauma centre for trafficked and abused children, Kathmandu, Nepal
This invaluable centre in Kathmandu provides a safe place for children who have suffered abuse such as gang rape and forced prostitution and are now struggling with debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder.
To ensure these children receive the support they need, we have trained the centre’s staff since 2018 so they can offer effective treatment which is non-confrontational, culturally and age-appropriate, and avoids an over reliance on medication. This treatment includes talking therapies and art and play therapy.
Rescue centre for the homeless, Kathmandu, Nepal
This project supports homeless and marginalised people struggling with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or severe depression. A significant proportion of its patients are women who have been abandoned by their families because of their mental illness.
Since 2017, we have trained staff on violence prevention and how to prepare people for life after they leave the centre. This includes educating patients about the importance of continuing to take their medication.
In addition, we’ve helped staff to organise group sessions that teach people about different aspects of wellness, including diet, family and social life. And we’ve worked with whole families to help them think about family dynamics, duties and responsibilities and how they can provide the most effective support to a loved one struggling with mental illness.
“Since working with Jaya Mental Health, the staff here feel much more confident supporting those with severe mental health conditions.
We’ve also been able to significantly reduce the use of restraint which has had a really positive affect on staff-patient relationships and the recovery process."
Sangita Laudari, Psychologist
Reaching remote communities
One of the key elements of our work is reaching and supporting people who receive no mental health support at all. Currently, this includes a vital but challenging project in a mountainous region of Nepal that has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country. In the future, we hope to reach many more remote communities across South Asia.
Training female community health volunteers in Ilam, Nepal
In rural Nepal, female community health volunteers (FCHVs) receive basic training before carrying out home visits to convey key health messages, including information about vaccinations, child birth and HIV prevention. Over recent years, this work has significantly contributed to a reduction in child mortality and an increase in the uptake of immunisation.
However, despite mental illness being prolific in rural communities, these health workers rarely receive mental health training. But now, thanks to our supporters, we are changing this. We are training FCHVs in basic mental healthcare and diagnosis, doing all we can to increase their status in their communities, and getting them involved in the shaping and delivery of services.
Already, this project has been so successful in Ilam that the local government has asked us to expand our work into other regions. This project has huge potential to be scaled-up in order to reach rural communities across South Asia.
Establishing mental health walk-in clinics in Ilam, Nepal
In the mountainous Ilam district, we have also established a monthly mental health walk-in clinic that assesses local people and provides them with medication and talking therapies. The people who attend the clinic are typically referred to it by female community health volunteers (FCHV) or hear about it on the local radio.
In addition to running the walk-in clinic, we are also providing specialist training to psychiatrists, nurses and medical students from the Nepal Medical College. The aim of this work is to establish sustainable, long-term mental health support for the people who live in the region.
Similar to our work with FCHVs, the local government in the region has asked us to establish walk-in clinics in other areas of this part of Nepal.
After 6 months of receiving treatment from our mental health walk-in clinic
76%of service users felt valuable and useful
70%of service users felt able to enjoy normal day-to-day activities
Increasing children’s access to mental health support in their communities
As in many areas of South Asia, children in Nepal are at high risk of being affected by factors which adversely affect their mental health. These include poverty, child labour, trafficking and exploitation, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding.
Despite this very concerning issue, mental illness in Nepal, and especially amongst young people, has been largely ignored. The government allocates less than 1% of its total health budget to mental health, and child and adolescent mental health services receive a negligible portion of this.
To change this unacceptable situation, we are constantly exploring how we can increase children’s and young people’s access to mental health support in their communities.
Training school nurses (starting 2020)
In 2019, the Nepalese government allocated 430 qualified nurses to schools across the country. This new role is of great significance for school-age children, and especially those living in rural areas. This is because a school nurse is often the only qualified health professional a child, as well their parents, teachers and sometimes whole communities, have access to.
Certainly, the introduction of the school nurses is a positive step in the right direction. However, because they typically work in isolation, receive very little support and lack mental health support skills, the nurses are currently unable to provide effective support to children and young people with mental health and emotional problems.
Thankfully, the Nepalese government has also identified this issue and asked us to train all the nurses so they have basic counselling and mental health nursing skills. A hugely important programme of work that we will begin in September 2020.
340,000Every year around 340,000 Nepali adolescents attempt suicide
430school nurses
21,500children
7provinces
We are training over 430 school nurses in life saving healthcare skills, reaching out to some 21,500 children and adolescents across the 7 provinces of Nepal.
Empowering nurses to improve mental health support
In South Asia, nurses (who are predominantly female) are often best placed to provide direct mental health support to people and shape services so they are as effective as possible. But in the region, nurses, and especially psychiatric nurses, are greatly undervalued and sit at the bottom of a hierarchy of decision-making power that’s dominated by doctors (who are predominantly male).
To change this situation, we are providing mental health training to nurses and campaigning for decision makers to involve them in the shaping of services.
Training general and psychiatric nurses in Gokarneshwar, Nepal
At a large training hospital in Gokarneshwar, we run training programmes for general and psychiatric nurses that help them to meet the emotional and mental health needs of their patients. This includes us teaching nurses how to communicate effectively with their patients to establish trust and rapport, and how to help patients become more invested in their own recovery.
We have also worked with the hospital’s psychiatric nurses to advance their understanding of different therapies, because medication was previously the only treatment on offer. From 2018, this has included an art therapist from Jaya Mental Health holding sessions for patients. Initially, their work was met with scepticism; but after witnessing how it helped people to explore their thoughts and feelings, the therapy has been well received by staff on the psychiatric ward.
On top of improving the direct support provided by female nurses, we’ve encouraged and trained these women to be active decision makers rather than passive receivers of instructions; and we’ve created opportunities for them to work with key decision makers so they can influence and shape mental healthcare services.
Overall, we believe this programme of work has the potential to totally transform mental healthcare and recovery in Nepal if it becomes embedded in hospitals throughout the country.
“As nurses, our experience is not always recognised and appreciated by others. Jaya Mental Health has helped me realise that I am of value to myself and others.”
Rekha Karanjit, Staff Nurse
“Jaya Mental Health helped me understand the importance of offering person-centred care on the ward. Being a good listener and caring towards those we work with can really make a difference in their process of recovery”
Pratikshya Rai Staff Nurse, Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
Increasing mental health awareness to protect vulnerable people
In South Asia, a lack of education and awareness means stigma and prejudice still surrounds mental illness. This frequently leads to people, including healthcare professionals, ostracising and discriminating against those with a mental health problem.
This is why we are working hard to ensure healthcare professionals, key decision makers and the general public understand and recognise the causes, symptoms and support options for mental health problems.
Training healthcare staff in Rawalpindi, Pakistan (starting Spring 2021)
According to the World Health Organisation, the prevalence of mental health disorders in Pakistan is steadily rising against a background of growing insecurity, economic instability and terrorism. The recent Covid-19 pandemic has made things worse. In addition, mental health care infrastructure is dilapidated and, in some cases, inhumane.
Despite the high incidence of mental illness, the vast majority of healthcare staff working across Pakistan’s health services are unable to diagnose or treat mental health problems, and many discriminate against patients with mental illness.
To improve this situation, we will deliver mental health awareness training to hospital-based healthcare professionals – this will include identifying mental illness, providing effective support, understanding the challenges of mental illness and the associated stigma and discrimination.
As a result, patients who have mental health problems will have their needs assessed and be provided with support that will improve their quality of life.
Why mental health in South Asia mal
Millions of people in South Asia are affected by mental illness.
Yet this is largely ignored by governments and often even international development agencies.
For every individual struggling with mental illness, many others also suffer. This is especially true for women and girls, who often have to give up jobs and education to care for a relative with a mental illness.
But the good news is that with the right care and support mental health problems can be effectively treated. This leads to happier individuals, fewer people falling into poverty, and better life chances for women and children, and especially girls.
Our five big reasons
for focusing on mental health in South Asia
1
It’s a huge and growing issue in the region
Many people in the UK might assume that mental illness is not such an issue in developing regions like South Asia.
But imagine if you struggled every day to feed yourself or your family, lived in extreme poverty, received no support to help with a physical illness or disability, or had lost your home and livelihood because of a natural disaster.
These are the growing issues that millions of people in South Asia face every day. This is why Jaya Mental Health is determined to reach and support as many people as possible.
80%
of people in the world who have mental health problems live in low or middle-income countries
This is why Jaya Mental Health is determined to reach and support as many people as possible.
2
Significant stigma surrounds mental illness
It is very common for communities in South Asia to ostracise and discriminate against people with a mental illness. There is very little education or awareness around mental health, and it is commonly believed that mental illness is the result of evil spirits or punishment for immoral behaviour.
Human rights abuses are also common, including families even chaining up or caging a relative to avoid public shame.
“Before getting help from Jaya Mental Health, some people used to get scared and run away when they saw me. I use to think, “Why are they afraid of me?”, and felt hurt and sad.”
Chandra, a patient at our mental health walk-in clinic in Eastern Nepal
This is why Jaya Mental Health is working hard to challenge misconceptions and prejudices, and advocating on behalf of people with a mental health problem.
It is estimated that 76 to 85% of people with serious mental disorders do not receive treatment in low-income countries
3
Mental health support barely exists
Most low-income countries in South Asia spend less than 1% of their healthcare budget on mental healthcare. Treatment is usually non-existent – when it is available it’s generally totally inadequate.
On top of this, many healthcare professionals labelled as mental health workers have received no training, and they can even be prejudiced towards people with mental problems themselves.
In low-income countries, the number of mental health workers can be as small as 2 per 100,000 people, compared with more than 70 in high-income countries.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is focused on training, equipping and empowering existing healthcare professionals in South Asia so they can provide high-quality mental health support.
4
A close association with poverty and disadvantage
In South Asia, there is a close link between mental illness and poverty, homelessness and other forms of disadvantage.
This is because people with a mental health problem may not be able to work due to a lack of treatment. Or they may lose their job or be denied work opportunities because of prejudice and discrimination.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is committed to reaching the most vulnerable and helping them get the support they need so they can secure employment.
5
Providing the right support can lead to tremendous benefits
When mental illness is treated incredible things can happen.
Good mental health not only means healthier and happier individuals; it can also lead to positive change in many other areas too.
“Before when I was very ill, I used to stay in bed for days on end.Now that I am better, I help our family to earn an income by working on the farm, looking after the buffalo, the goats and the chickens.”
Gopal, a patient at our mental health walk-in clinic in Eastern Nepal
Saves the lives of mothers and their children
In developing countries mental illness is a particular problem amongst new mothers – many then struggle to look after their babies and other children, leading to neglect, hunger and even death. Suicide is a major cause of death for this group of women.
Treating maternal mental health problems keeps children safe and helps families to flourish.
Keeps girls in school
In South Asian countries, when there’s mental illness in the family it’s often girls who suffer the most. They are the ones most likely to take on the role of carers and to miss out on school. Factors such as gender discrimination and violence, and child marriage put girls at high risk of struggling with mental illness themselves. Without supportive communities girls are further at risk from dropping out of school.
Why focus on mental health in South Asia? mal
Millions of people in South Asia are affected by mental illness.
Yet this is largely ignored by governments and often even international development agencies.
For every individual struggling with mental illness, many others also suffer. This is especially true for women and girls, who often have to give up jobs and education to care for a relative with a mental illness.
1. It’s a huge and growing issue in the region
Many people in the UK might assume that mental illness is not such an issue in developing regions like South Asia.
But imagine if you struggled every day to feed yourself or your family, lived in extreme poverty, received no support to help with a physical illness or disability, or had lost your home and livelihood because of a natural disaster.
These are the growing issues that millions of people in South Asia face every day. This is why Jaya Mental Health is determined to reach and support as many people as possible.
80%
of people in the world who have mental health problems live in low or middle-income countries
This is why Jaya Mental Health is determined to reach and support as many people as possible.
2. Significant stigma surrounds mental illness
It is very common for communities in South Asia to ostracise and discriminate against people with a mental illness. There is very little education or awareness around mental health, and it is commonly believed that mental illness is the result of evil spirits or punishment for immoral behaviour.
Human rights abuses are also common, including families even chaining up or caging a relative to avoid public shame.
“Before getting help from Jaya Mental Health, some people used to get scared and run away when they saw me. I use to think, “Why are they afraid of me?”, and felt hurt and sad.”
Chandra, a patient at our mental health walk-in clinic in Eastern Nepal
This is why Jaya Mental Health is working hard to challenge misconceptions and prejudices, and advocating on behalf of people with a mental health problem.
It is estimated that 76 to 85% of people with serious mental disorders do not receive treatment in low-income countries
3. Mental health support barely exists
Most low-income countries in South Asia spend less than 1% of their healthcare budget on mental healthcare. Treatment is usually non-existent – when it is available it’s generally totally inadequate.
On top of this, many healthcare professionals labelled as mental health workers have received no training, and they can even be prejudiced towards people with mental problems themselves.
In low-income countries, the number of mental health workers can be as small as 2 per 100,000 people, compared with more than 70 in high-income countries.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is focused on training, equipping and empowering existing healthcare professionals in South Asia so they can provide high-quality mental health support.
4. A close association with poverty and disadvantage
In South Asia, there is a close link between mental illness and poverty, homelessness and other forms of disadvantage.
This is because people with a mental health problem may not be able to work due to a lack of treatment. Or they may lose their job or be denied work opportunities because of prejudice and discrimination.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is committed to reaching the most vulnerable and helping them get the support they need so they can secure employment.
5. Providing the right support can lead to tremendous benefits
When mental illness is treated incredible things can happen.
Good mental health not only means healthier and happier individuals; it can also lead to positive change in many other areas too.
Helps people escape from poverty
Receiving the right treatment can help a person to continue working or secure a job – giving them the chance to lift themselves and their family out of poverty.
Saves the lives of mothers and their children
In developing countries mental illness is a particular problem amongst new mothers – many then struggle to look after their babies and other children, leading to neglect, hunger and even death. Suicide is a major cause of death for this group of women.
Treating maternal mental health problems keeps children safe and helps families to flourish.
Keeps girls in school
In South Asian countries, when there’s mental illness in the family it’s often girls who suffer the most. They are the ones most likely to take on the role of carers and to miss out on school. Factors such as gender discrimination and violence, and child marriage put girls at high risk of struggling with mental illness themselves. Without supportive communities girls are further at risk from dropping out of school.
“Before getting help from Jaya Mental Health, some people used to get scared and run away when they saw me. I use to think, “Why are they afraid of me?”, and felt hurt and sad.”
Chandra, a patient at our mental health walk-in clinic in Eastern Nepal
Our life-changing projects - mal
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.
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.
Why our work is so special
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.
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.
Why focus on mental health in South Asia?
Yet the mental health of the region’s population is largely ignored by governments, communities and often even international development agencies.Not only does this have an extremely negative impact on the lives of the people who are ill, it also hits families hard too, and especially women and girls, who typically have to give up everything, including their jobs and education, to care for a relative with a mental illness.
But the good news is that with the right care and support mental health problems can be effectively treated. And when they are, it can lead to a wide range of benefits, including happier individuals, fewer people falling into poverty, and better life chances for women and children, and especially girls.
1
It’s a huge and growing issue in the region
Many people in the UK might assume that mental illness is not such an issue in developing regions like South Asia.
But imagine if you struggled every day to feed yourself or your family, lived in extreme poverty, received no support to help with a physical illness or disability, or had lost your home and livelihood because of a natural disaster.
These are the growing issues that millions of people in South Asia face every day. And they are why research shows 80% of people in the world who have mental health problems live in low or middle-income countries.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is determined to reach and support as many people as possible in South Asia.
2
Significant stigma surrounds mental illness
In South Asia, a severe lack of education and awareness means damaging stigma and prejudice still surrounds mental illness. Many people believe that mental health problems are the result of evil spirits or punishment for immoral behaviour.
This frequently leads to communities ostracising and discriminating against people with a mental health problem. Human rights abuses are also common, including families chaining up or caging a relative to avoid public shame.
In addition, mental illness is such a taboo subject that people don’t even have the vocabulary to talk about issues like depression.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is working hard to challenge misconceptions and prejudices, and advocating on behalf of people with a mental health problem.
3
Mental health support barely exists
Most low-income countries in South Asia spend less than 1% of their healthcare budget on mental healthcare. And when treatment is available, it’s usually totally inadequate because of a lack of funding and resources.
Overall in low-income countries, the number of mental health workers can be as small as 2 per 100,000 people, compared with more than 70 in high-income countries.
On top of this, many healthcare professionals labelled as mental health workers have received no training, and they can even be prejudiced towards people with mental problems themselves.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is focused on training, equipping and empowering existing healthcare professionals in South Asia so they can provide high-quality mental health support.
4
Mental health support barely exists
In South Asia, there is a close link between mental illness and poverty, homelessness and other forms of disadvantage.
This is because people with a mental health problem may not be able to work due to a lack of treatment. Or they may lose their job or be denied work opportunities because of discrimination.
Usually, unemployment means people cannot afford the treatment they need, which results in their condition getting worse and their chance of getting a job decreasing further.
In South Asia, most communities help families that have descended into poverty because of illness. But because of stigma and prejudice, this rarely happens when someone is affected by a mental health problem.
This is why Jaya Mental Health is committed to reaching the most vulnerable and helping them get the support they need so they can secure employment.
5
Providing the right support can lead to tremendous benefits
One of the major reasons we focus on mental illness in South Asia is because if it’s treated the right way incredible things can happen. Good mental health not only means healthier and happier individuals; it can also lead to positive change in many other areas too.
Helps people escape from poverty
Receiving the right treatment can help a person to continue working, or secure a job if they don’t have one. This employment is critical if a person is going to lift themselves and their family out of poverty.
Saves the lives of mothers and their children
In developing countries 15.6% of pregnant women and 19.8% of women who have just given birth are affected by a mental health problem. But despite these very worrying figures, maternal mental health support is almost non-existent.
As a result, suicide is a major cause of death for this group; and affected mothers can often struggle to look after their babies and other children, leading to neglect, hunger and even death.
However, the good news is maternal mental health problems are treatable. This is why our work in South Asia is critical to saving the lives of pregnant women and new mothers, and ensuring children develop and grow normally and safely.
Keeps girls in school
In South Asian countries, when there’s mental illness in the family it’s often girls who suffer the most. They are the ones most likely to take on the role of carers and as a result miss out on school. Factors such as gender discrimination and violence, and child marriage put girls at high risk of struggling with mental illness themselves. Without supportive communities girls are further at risk from dropping out of school.
Classic Banking
Brokerage & Trading
Our strategy is to acquire properties in both established and transitioning areas that show potential for repositioning.
Investment Banking
We are driven by passion, accuracy and speed in servicing our clients in order to provide them with best in class available services.
Contracts & Research
In order to satisfy the growing complexity of the market, we continuously offer and implement innovative financial researches.
Experienced broker of choice for leading international and domestic investors seeking the in class local expertise.
Your goals are unique, so your investment guidance should be too. We take the time to listen and understand what matters most to you before helping you develop and manage your investment strategy. We offer a broad range of products and services to help you.
The leading independent trusted advisor for sourcing, structuring and executing and capital market transactions.
We offer a broad range of products and services to help you pursue your financial goals, and we can help you choose the right approach. Your goals are unique, so your investment guidance should be too. We take the time to listen and understand your investment strategy.
80+
Awards
65+
Employees
10k
Revenue
20k
Be part of our journey