Altruism and Activating Neighbourhood Care for Persons with Mental Illness in the Community: Mental Health Programme of Mental Health Action Trust

Abstract

Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT) is a volunteer-led, community mental health programme, which provides free bio-psychosocial mental healthcare to the most vulnerable among the poor and wandering persons with mental illness in partnership with Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM), Kozhikode through a network of palliative care clinics in some northern districts of Kerala. The programme was initiated in response to a demand from community members. The community-based clinics provide free medical treatment, supply of food grains, financial support for education of children, provision of transport facilities for clients, livelihood activities, financial support, counselling and linking clients with social organisations and government departments. The community programmes are entirely funded by local community members through school children, door-to-door campaigns, shop owners, etc. as that is sustainable in the long run.