TRANSFORMING MENTAL HEALTH
Context
Mental health is a global crisis that affects all populations especially those with vulnerable social position, identity, and incomes. Yet dominant frameworks often medicalize distress, ignoring community resilience and systemic causes of trauma. We work with a specific focus on youth mental health, health system integration of mental health, mental health of vulnerable groups.
How We Do This Work
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Design Community-driven solutions that are systemically and culturally relevant
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Build awareness, advocate for policy and address stigma
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Strategic media engagement to mainstream mental health as a public health issue
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Collaborations with youth communities to co-create safe spaces and services
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Link mental health with social justice to demand inclusive, culturally competent care
Why It Matters
Mental health care in South Asia remains inaccessible for many, particularly vulnerable groups queer individuals, women, and youth. We address the invisibilization of mental distress and work toward systems where care is affirming, not pathologizing.
Case Study
The Raahat Project – A Youth-Led Digital Mental Health Initiative
The Raahat Project, co-created with queer students, is a multilingual, interactive mental health learning program focused on resilience, awareness, and well-being. Implemented across multiple universities and supported by Grand Challenges Canada, it demonstrates how inclusive design and community ownership can build accessible and culturally relevant care solutions for youth.