Where Hope Takes Root and Lives Transform

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About Us

Over 200 million Indians are estimated to experience mental health issues, yet 83% lack access to the care they need. In low-resource settings, socio-economic factors such as gender, caste, and class often render individuals with psychosocial disabilities homeless, with limited options beyond long-term institutionalisation or living on the streets. 

We work in ten states of India, both directly and through state and non-state partners, servicing low-income households and homeless people through a range of approaches that include hospital-based care, housing in rural and urban neighbourhoods and community based mental health solutions. 

We envision an inclusive, just, and humane world that promotes the capabilities and participation of persons living with psychosocial distress.
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We engage with those most Vulnerable

We engage with individuals living with mental health conditions while respecting their cultural contexts and lived experiences. Our approach recognises the broader impact of mental health on various aspects of life. We understand that mental health is interconnected with multiple factors, and our work extends beyond the individual to include the wider social and environmental influences that shape well-being.
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Homeless individuals experiencing psychosocial conditions

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People from low-income communities with limited mental health access

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Indigenous populations facing systemic barriers to care

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Children of parents with mental illness who need longitudinal support

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Homeless individuals experiencing psychosocial conditions

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People from low-income communities with limited mental health access

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Indigenous populations facing systemic barriers to care

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Children of parents with mental illness who need longitudinal support

Our Approach

We offer bespoke, dignified care that addresses both clinical and social needs through interconnected programs that create pathways from crisis to community living.

Emergency Care & Recovery Centre (ECRC)

A collaborative and multidisciplinary care system that offers clinical and social care to homeless people with mental health conditions, helping them determine their own journeys back to community life.
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Home Again

Supportive housing in urban and rural neighbourhoods where people who need alternatives to institutionalisation can live in small affinity groups, accessing on-site clinical and social care while building relationships within their communities.
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Magizhvagam

Hostel-like co-living spaces for those seeking a balance of privacy and community support to access dignified, structured environments find refuge, healing, and pathways to greater independence through collaborative living and personalised care.
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NALAM

A grassroots approach combining clinical interventions with social welfare support, delivered through locally trained health workers to reach those in urban and rural communities.
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Livelihoods

Work participation and social enterprise initiatives create employment pathways for individuals experiencing mental health conditions, blending therapeutic support with sustainable business models.
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Join Us

Every contribution creates ripples of change. Whether through volunteering, donations, or partnerships, you can help build a world where everyone can live with dignity and purpose.
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Impact by Numbers

At The Banyan, every number represents a life reclaimed. From providing mental health care and shelter to enabling social reintegration, our work has transformed thousands of lives—one person at a time.

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individuals provided with crisis intervention services

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bed spaces available across 19 Emergency Care and Recovery Centers

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people transitioned from institutional settings through 136 homes

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beds in hostel-like co-living spaces that balance privacy and community

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people have received clinical care through outpatient services

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individuals with subclinical distress supported through counseling & entitlements

Our Partners

The Banyan’s journey in transforming mental health systems has been one of collective effort and collaboration. Our impact is made possible through strong partnerships—whether with corporate funders who drive innovation and long-term development or grassroots implementation partners who ensure mental health support reaches those who need it most. Together, we can break barriers, empower communities, and work towards true mental health equity.

Awards and recognition

Awards are not the ultimate measure of our impact, but they serve as meaningful benchmarks of our innovation and a testament to the dedication of everyone in the Banyan family.
The Sat Paul Mittal Award – 2024 For “Outstanding Service to Humanity”: The award was instituted by Mr. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice President of Bharti Telecom. The Sat Paul Mittal National Awards are awarded annually by the Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust to individuals and institutions for their outstanding service to humanity.
Dr. Guislain Award for Science & Technology- Breaking the chains of Mental Health Stigma 2021: Jointly presented by the Dr. Guislain Museum and Janssen R&D, this global award recognizes outstanding efforts to reduce mental health stigma through advocacy, community services, or public education. 
University of Pennsylvania Nursing Renfield Foundation Award for Global Women’s Health 2018: Awarded biennially with a $100,000 prize, this global recognition honors leaders who have advanced women’s and girls’ health through research, service delivery, advocacy, or policy reform. 
Swiss Foundation award with WHO: An annual award by the Swiss Re Foundation recognizing ventures that strengthen community resilience and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovative and scalable impact models.
Ashoka and Boehringer-Ingelheim: A global initiative by Boehringer Ingelheim and Ashoka supporting innovative business models that strengthen health systems and advance social innovation in healthcare delivery. 
WHO Public Health Champion Award India, 2017: Honors individuals or organizations for exemplary contributions to public health through advocacy, policies, and programs that improve health equity and outcomes in underserved communities

Claiming Courage: Bhairavi’s Journey

Real people, real journeys—stories of resilience, recovery, and renewed hope.

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I feel relaxed whenever I meet Sundari,” Bhairavi says. “She has been with me since I was utterly helpless during my daughter’s illness. She even found blood donors and came with me to the hospital. The way she talks to me makes me feel better—I see my daughter in her. I share my worries, and she helps me find the courage to move ahead with unfettered strength, even at this age.

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Join Us

Every contribution creates ripples of change. Whether through volunteering, donations, or partnerships, you can help build a world where everyone can live with dignity and purpose.

Donate Now

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Join Us

Every contribution creates ripples of change. Whether through volunteering, donations, or partnerships, you can help build a world where everyone can live with dignity and purpose.

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