The Richmond Fellowship Society Society (India)
The Richmond Fellowship Society (India) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental (NGO), national-level secular organization, dedicated to mental health. Registered under the Societies Registration Act (1860), it operates across four branches in India – Bengaluru, Delhi, Lucknow, and Sidlaghatta (Karnataka).
Therapeutic Community Approach
RFS adopts the Therapeutic Community approach for the treatment of individuals living with mental illnesses (PMIs), emphasizing a group-based participatory method for healing long-term mental health conditions.
Combatting Stigma
Social stigma and discrimination exacerbate mental health issues and deter individuals and families from seeking necessary assistance. Addressing this stigma poses significant challenges, as fear and misunderstanding often breed prejudice against those with mental illnesses. Such prejudices impede diagnosis and treatment, fostering feelings of hopelessness and shame among those grappling with mental health conditions, thereby erecting substantial barriers to recovery.
Advocacy for Mental Health
Advocacy efforts for mental health focus on fostering an enabling environment within communities and among policymakers and implementers, advocating for increased resources and policy implementation. Effective communication strategies play a pivotal role in raising awareness and knowledge to achieve the desired impact.
RFS Delhi Branch
Established in 2000 with limited resources, the RFS Delhi branch operates a rehabilitation facility in Greater Noida. Equipped with residential accommodations for 20 individuals for Halfway Home/ Long Stay and Daycare, the organization is committed to fostering mental health awareness through community outreach and the training of youth as mental health ambassadors.
Volunteer Efforts
Volunteers generously contribute their time and energy to mobilize resources, ensuring the continuous and uninterrupted provision of services to residents, particularly those living with severe mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder. However, the high turnover rate of counsellors due to an inability to match remuneration with market rates poses a significant challenge to management, hindering the establishment of much-needed rehabilitation facilities for mental health patients. Plans for growth and expansion to better serve PMIs and their families are currently stalled due to resource constraints.
Addressing Stigma and Visibility
Efforts to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and enhance the visibility of RFS through social media platforms are imperative. However, additional resources are required to optimize these endeavours. Media support could substantially contribute to realizing the aspirations of our esteemed founder members.
Request for Support
We appeal to individuals and organizations to consider supporting our cause by donating to the Richmond Fellowship Society Society (India). Donations to our cause are exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961. Your contributions will enable us to continue our vital mission of providing comprehensive care and support to individuals living with mental illnesses and their families and to combat the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health in our society. Please use the Canara Bank QR Code given below to make your donations.
