Background

Mental health remains misunderstood in most parts of India. While conversations about mental illness and wellbeing have increased around the globe, mental health continues to be under-reported and underprioritised in India. This is especially pronounced for the most vulnerable sections of society, like children from underserved communities, where social stigma, lack of awareness, and social isolation act as added barriers. According to the World Health Organisation, one in twenty people suffers from depression (Ref.). Most of them do so without adequate support. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 70 - 95% of individuals with mental health disorders do not receive treatment, guidance, or care (Ref.). 

In the West, new models of treatment and therapy have emerged to combat the growing need for mental health support. Of these, peer support groups offer an excellent treatment option for children. They can offer safe platforms to discuss personal struggles, process emotions, and learn to navigate emotional experiences. While this technique has not yet been widely used in India, it has become an increasingly popular method for community-based mental health interventions in the West (Ref.) Recognising this gap, Hear to Lead wants to introduce peer support groups to community healthcare interventions.