EMPOWERMENT,also known as Capacity Building, is a very important concept in development.
One of the main things LEADS concentrates is to build the capacity of everyone involved in
mental health and its treatment. Capacity Builders basically means that we improve different
peoplesability to deal with mental health.Once mental health service providers, local NGOs,
communities, and individuals understand and can effectively deal with mental health issues,
the ground work is set for a long-term change in mental health care.
Empowering Mentally Ill People
We emphasize empowering mentally ill people so that they can make decisions and advocate
for themselves which is an important part of their treatment. It also reintegrates them back in
to their family and their community .We encourage mentally ill people to form self-help groups
and user group as a further way for themto realise and assert their rights.The aim of these
groups is to support mentally ill people in their recovery,and give mentally ill people a voice and
help them stand up and shout for their rights. These groups are led by mentally ill people
themselves and are just facilitated by LEADS.
Integration into SHG
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are becoming the important platform for integrating people with mental
disorders. LEADS identified
the existing SHGs potential for integrating people with mental
disorders or their carers. Self-help groups are geared for mutual support, information, and
growth.SHGs are mainstreamed in the programme activities with a purpose of strengthening
group recognition and gaining power in the community, and establishing a community group for
a widespread information and education on mental health, work to reduce stigma attached with
mental illness, and support people with mental illness with various income generation
opportunities. SHGs has a unique approach to gain financial security among the members. The
approach combines access to low-interest financial services with a process of self management
and mutual support system who are SHG members. LEADS social Mobilisers have facilitated
with the meetings, sometimes with the assistance of FCHVs and health post staff for special
topics.