Care & Support of the Mentally Distressed

Despite many challenges, Chhahari has improved the quality of life for many clients and caregivers ( people responsible for caring for people with mental health problems daily). Chhahari has provided a space where people can speak freely with others about their circumstances, and it has been evident from the growing number of clients and carers participating in various activities that the support they receive from talking to others is adequate. By Chhahari offering people the freedom to come and express their stories, clients can find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their specific situations. Chhahari is a safe space to do this. Social support, therefore, must be valued in a similar respect to medical interventions, as social support at Chhahari has been a critical factor in the mental health journey of many clients.

Chhahari's environment has also been essential for caregivers as they can share stories and relate to each other's challenges. Chhahari offers a service where they can share stories with people willing to listen and more strongly understand their emotions. This highlights that social support is also essential for caregivers as they have been largely unrecognised in society, so they are mostly unable to receive this type of support. Chhahari is a pioneer in providing a space for people to receive social support, a service that is in short supply in Kathmandu. The burden of care is substantial for caregivers, often leaving them with little time for daily tasks. However, the fact that they make time for emotional support underscores the value of open discussions in alleviating this burden. Chhahari has noticed a shift in the dynamics of caregiver relationships, with them becoming more assertive. Yet, the presence of a network of clients and caregivers, with a safe space for open discussions, has been a key element in Chhahari's success. It has significantly improved the lives of clients and caregivers, demonstrating the effectiveness and significance of Chhahari's service.

Chhahari also assists clients and caregivers with medication. Most clients know "how to take medication," and caregivers "now know where to go and how to get it." This is essential to the limited education surrounding mental health; even among healthcare staff, caregivers often have little guidance in what medication their family members need and how it should be taken. Therefore, Chhahari's social support structures have considerably improved many families' lives, and Chhahari demonstrates the importance of emotional and practical support.

In Nepal, treatments for people with mental health problems are either institutionalised, confined to their homes, and/or treated by medications only. We, on the other hand, believe in the importance of creating a safe space for individuals and their families. We initiated the "Welcome Centre Project" in 2013. This project provides a space and welcoming environment, free from judgement or discrimination, to come in and socialise, feel comfortable sharing experiences and seek support. Since the initiation of this project, it has grown and expanded, with 25-30 individuals and their carers coming weekly. We have received 90% of positive feedback from the service users and are grateful to have impacted so many lives. 

Due to the after-effects of COVID-19 and financial constraints, we initially limited the sessions to once a month. But in 2023, we were able to increase them to two times a month. We now provide free sessions twice a month, during which we also offer free home-cooked lunches. Trained staff and volunteers work closely with individuals and groups to provide psychosocial counselling and creative therapies using music, art, meditation, cooking, and outdoor trips. All sessions are tailored to focus on cognitive functioning, motor skills, social skills, and emotional development.

Since the initiation of the Welcome Centre Session, creating a common space and understanding the need for a secure space to get together has grown and expanded its services to mental health community-based services and developed into one of our popular projects.

• Welcome Centre Project (PDF)