Programs

Mental Health Initiative – India
On 3rd August 2009 The Foundation launched “The Mental Health Initiative – India”. Mental health has been a social and health challenge in India for a number of reasons:

• Stigma associated with mental illnesses
• Priority given to physical health over mental health in budgets and decision-making
• Lack of resources and facilities for treatment of mental illnesses
• Lack of awareness of modern medical treatments that can almost guarantee recovery.
• Social discrimination against the mentally ill.

The Vandrevala Foundation therefore identified mental health as an area where it could usefully and practically contribute to society. As the first step in its initiative The Foundation launched a 24 x 7 Mental Health helpline to serve patients, families and others dealing with mental healh issues. Associated with the Helpline is a poster campaign that aims to raise awareness. To learn more about the Initiative please click on the following links

Click here for a background paper.
Click here for a presentation.