5 mental health NGOs improving the lives of people with mental disabilities

MENTAL health challenges are a growing concern for people of all backgrounds across India. For those with mental disabilities, a full and meaningful life is possible with the support and encouragement of individuals, organizations and communities. But for those without the financial means to afford care, treatment or support, opportunities are cut off and doors are shut. But there are mental health NGOs in the country that provide specialized care to ensure that children and adults who are mentally challenged have the resources, therapies, rehabilitation and access to education and employment to build their lives and improve their futures. 

Mental Health Day is observed around the world on October 10th to raise awareness on mental health issues, improve access to mental health care, empower the disadvantaged and end the stigma against people with mental disabilities such as Autism, Schizophrenia, Cerebral Palsy and other conditions. In India, mental health awareness is gradually increasing and people are more open and willing to discuss mental health issues. This is a positive first step toward ensuring that all Indians get access to medical, psychological, psychiatric and other forms of care for their intellectual disorders and disabilities. This Mental Health Day, let’s examine the work of NGOs in different parts of India that ensure the most underprivileged with mental disabilities receive the care and support required. 

Here are 5 NGOs improving the lives of people with mental disabilities:

Mental Health and Wellness Trust

Mental Health and Wellness Trust is an NGO that serves as a support system for people with mental conditions such as autism or other intellectual disabilities. The struggle and challenge is real, but for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, the situation seems hopeless. Kolkata-based Mental Health and Wellness Trust supports disadvantaged children and adults with mental health conditions with occupational therapy, speech therapy, special education classes, skills training, behavioral modification, group therapy and other forms of support including counseling for special needs individuals. This improves their condition and enables them to access rights like education and employment which will help them improve their futures. To support Mental Health and Wellness Trust: 

Help Mental Health and Wellness Trust

The Association For The Mentally Challenged

The Association For The Mentally Challenged is a mental health NGO that offers support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For over 50 years, the NGO has supported thousands of individuals from poor backgrounds. When such individuals receive the support they need, it uplifts their families and communities and impacts future generations. This NGO in Bangalore runs programs for children and adults that promote personal development, make them self-sufficient and help them be integrated into mainstream life. The organization runs a special school, vocational training center, workshop, self-help groups and more to empower individuals who are mentally challenged and enable them to live dignified lives. To support The Association For The Mentally Challenged:

Help Association For The Mentally Challenged

Association of Parents of Mentally Retarded Children 

For the parents of individuals with mental disabilities, life can be challenging. Specialized care is required to meet the needs of such individuals, yet this comes at a cost which many people cannot afford. Association of Parents of Mentally Retarded Children runs a residential home for adults who are mentally challenged. For the past 25 years, the Maharashtra-based mental health NGO has rehabilitated and provided lifelong care to more than 300 individuals and tended to their mental, physical and emotional needs. In addition to helping individuals work through their challenges, the organization creates a home atmosphere where the individuals have access to education, skills training, sports, arts and crafts, music and learn to celebrate life. To support Association of Parents of Mentally Retarded Children:

Help AOPOMCC

Fellowship with Mentally Retarded

Fellowship with Mentally Retarded runs a home called Asha Niketan in Bangalore for the disadvantaged who have mental health disabilities. Among the residents of Asha Niketan are individuals with intellectual disabilities who are fully integrated into life in this small community built on compassion and love. The main goal is to help residents with intellectual disabilities become independent and this is accomplished through medical treatment and physiotherapy, outreaches and life skills, vocational skills, workshops, sports and arts and crafts among other activities. Alongside this support, the organization fosters meaningful relationships with the community, working toward the goal of integration and acceptance. To support Fellowship with Mentally Retarded:

Help Fellowship with Mentally Retarded

Ritham Special School for the Mentally Challenged Children

Ritham Special School for the Mentally Challenged Children is on a mission to help children with mental health challenges develop confidence in themselves and overcome their challenges to reach their goals and dreams. Based in Rajapalayam in Tamil Nadu, the NGO has a special school, early intervention center, outpatient therapy department, vocational training center, learning center, autism program and workshops to help develop the skills and abilities of its students. The organization also offers physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy to children with disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy to help these youngsters receive the support and motivation they need. To support Ritham Special School for the Mentally Challenged Children: 

Help Ritham Special School

Support these mental health NGOs

For children and adults with mental disabilities, the future does not have to be dark and bleak. NGOs across India are stepping in to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities to help them overcome their challenges and live full and meaningful lives that are self-sufficient, dignified and independent. This Mental Health Day, to support people in India with mental disabilities, you can support these incredible NGOs and make a real difference in their lives!

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Shirley Bobby

Shirley has been in the development sector for over 10 years and is passionate about making a change in the world around her, including adopting dogs and writing to make a difference.