Project Anjali

Campaign Story

About the project

People living with mental illness are among the most marginalized and underserved in India. State mental hospitals in West Bengal can accommodate only 2000 patients, against an estimated 125,000 people with mental health issues. Institutional overcrowding and a severe shortfall of psychiatric professionals result in poor-quality care that is inconsiderate of important intersections, and deplorable living conditions for residents. These individuals suffer violations of human rights regularly, including: physical violence, forced institutionalization, abandonment, disinheritance, incarceration, lack of medical care, lack of employment opportunities, limited access to justice, restricted mobility, and pervasive social stigma.

This Project is fully funded by the Oak foundation.

Making a difference

Anjali works in one of the most neglected areas of health. Anjali’s thrust is twofold: To establish Mental Illness within the mainstream health paradigm of India, and to speak for a large population of marginalized people with mental illness vis-à-vis their right to a professional and inclusive system of care and treatment.

Anjali’s “Voices” program counters stagnant and regressive systems to bring about systemic changes in the care framework. “Voices” promotes social inclusion for people living in four mental hospitals in West Bengal. The project seeks to re-integrate former patients into society by providing livelihood training and job placement services, and to reduce institutionalization by promoting community-level, prevention-based care alternatives. The organization advocates for progressive policies and institutional practices that place patients’ dignity at the forefront, and works to end the stigma associated with mental health disabilities.

The Way Forward

● Conduct ‘Make a Difference’ summit for the families of reintegrated participants on their progress post-reintegration
● Organize national conference on prevention of self-harm
● Train and employ 20-25 residents in Anjali’s livelihood units or through external livelihood opportunities
● Organize campaign and annual celebration picnic for Voices, a social inclusion or reintegration program
● Organize 1 organization development day workshop for staffs

Project Impact

200

Residents received social and livelihood skill development sessions

46

Residents staying in Pratyay, the assisted living initiative

17

Residents engaged in various occupations like security, press, office jobs, music, BPO sector, digital portal etc

Organized 2-day sessions with care-givers of 2 mental hospital on new provision under the Mental Health Care Act

Outlined human resource and sexual harassment policies

Last Year’s Grant Disbursed: $138,522

Current Year’s Approved Grant: $34,369

Journey from residents to roommates

Project Anjali’s residential assistance initiative, Pratyay, marked a significant milestone in February 2024. Four residents of Pratyay, Pradeep Das, Madan Burma, Raju Chowdhury, and Pranab Lahiri were initially living in an asylum.

The team members of CRY America’s Anjali project identified, provided counseling and necessary support to all participants of Pratyay to help them regain their confidence. Empowered by the program, these four residents transitioned from the asylum to an independently rented apartment. They engaged in various occupations and motivated each other to support their livelihoods and well-being.

Now, Pradeep works in a printing press, Raju has taken a job as a security guard, and Pranab is employed in the laundry unit of a hospital. Together, they create a supportive ecosystem, caring for one another while paving the way for hopes of better health and well-being in their community.

Project Photo Gallery