As per the World Health organisation (WHO) every fifth individual needs mental health-related treatment at some or other point of their life. In countries like India, only 20 to 30% of patients receive some kind of treatment for their problems.
Janmanswasthaya program (JMSP) of Parivartan trust aims at developing a model of community-based mental health care for six priority mental health disorders namely Severe Mental Disorders (Schizophrenia and Mood disorders), Common Mental disorders (Depression and anxiety), Epilepsy, Alcohol use disorder, geriatric mental health problems and suicide prevention.
In the Phase one of the program, Parivartan has worked with seven organisations spread across six states of India.A model of community based mental health care was developed by Parivartan and piloted with the support of TATA trusts.
The highlights of JMSP program
1. Doorstep comprehensive package of mental health services to 4130 patients with mental illness.
2. Training of Fifty-eight lay counsellors (Community mental health worker) .
3. Successful piloting of innovative public engagement strategy ‘Manasrang’.
4. Evaluation of the program by an external agency.
5. Treatment coverage up to 80 % achieved through the implantation of Janmanswasthya model across sites.
6. User-friendly workbooks developed for the training of community mental health workers.
7. Two short films Man Ki Ankhe and Jagruti were produced for the dissemination of the programme results. Both films were directed by National award-winning film director Sumitra Bhave.
Through Mansmaitri program Parivartan has trained more than 150 mental health volunteers. These volunteers work in community for early identification of mental health problems They are given training to provide emotional first aid to the people who are in psycho-social distress.