Care & Support of the Mentally Distressed

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)