Our Chapters
Trichy Chapter
Our programme in Trichy is led by Amali and Jackulin, who have experienced homelessness and mental illness first hand. Jackulin was rescued by The Banyan several years ago, and after recovering was able to find her way back to her sister, Amali. Their personal experiences gave them the passion to form a chapter of The Banyan in their home community in Kovandakurichi (Trichy).
They have built a programme that provides long-term care for 32 women through the Home Again approach . Their ability to be naturally conscientious to the needs of their residents comes easily to them, having themselves broken barriers of demarcated social spaces.
Kerala Chapter
Our programme in Kerala is led by Mr. Salih PM, a social worker and social entrepreneur who has been with The Banyan for over 10 years. He leads a team of 10 mental health professionals that run our Kerala Chapter, currently housing 22 residents through the Home Again programme.
Our chapter here is also working in collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences and The Government of Kerala on reorienting the social architecture of institutional mental health care, providing inclusive long term care options, and creating a platform for community based mental health care in conjunction with palliative care.
We also have collaborations with other organisations including The Ottapalam Welfare Trust, Mehac Foundation and the Palliative Care Lobby.
Maharashtra Chapter
Our programme in Maharashtra is a collaboration with Tata Institute of Social Sciences Field Action Programme and the Integrated Rural Health and Development Project.
Its primary focus is on replicating the NALAM approach and is led by Mr. Rishabh Anand (The Banyan) and Professor Asha Banu (TISS). Additionally we are also working with the Government of Maharashtra to facilitate exit pathways out of institutional care.