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In safe and secure hands
By Vidushi Seneviratne
"To advance and strengthen the community's well-being through learning and discovery" is the vision of Sahanaya. Here a group of individuals devote their time to an overlooked section of society.

Established in 1982, the National Council for Mental Health is a NGO working for the betterment of those who are mentally ill or are going through mental distress. Incorporated by an Act of Parliament, the Council established a Community Mental Health Care Centre (Sahanaya) in 1983, with the objective of providing mental health services to the community. Sahanaya has brought together a number of psychiatrists, doctors, other professionals and concerned individuals for the common purpose of improving the care and treatment of persons undergoing any form of mental distress.

"Mental health is a highly neglected area in Sri Lanka and Sahanaya was established in order to make a difference in this situation," said Chief Executive Officer of Sahanaya Eksith Fernando.

"Our aim is to improve the lives of those who are mentally ill and we hope to harness community resources to do so," he said, making these comments at a press conference held last week about ‘Sahanaya Day’ to be held on March 8.

"In a country such as Sri Lanka, the social stigma related to this issue is great. Treating the mentally ill is quite demanding," said Dr. Nalaka Mendis, consultant psychiatrist and Vice President of Sahanaya.

"In Sri Lanka, only about 1% of the health budget goes into mental health," Dr. mendis added. The services of Sahanaya have expanded over the years, and at present consist of educational, training, clinical, rehabilitation and outreach programmes. While twelve mental health professionals are engaged in providing these services, Sahanaya has around 30 clients visiting daily. Among the services provided are clinical assessment and treatment, follow up and continuing care, psychological therapy and a drop-in centre for those recovering after treatment at a hospital.

"Clients can visit us individually or through a psychiatrist. Once they approach us, we deduce whether they need drugs, counselling, therapy or skill programmes, depending on their condition," said Ms. Indrani Wijesundara, Clinical Coordinator at Sahanaya.

"Group therapy is one of the more regular activities available. Family therapy too is an important activity as most of the clients coming to us do so without the knowledge of their family. In such cases, when the time is right, we arrange meetings with family members."

Sahanaya has a rehabilitation unit that focuses on the developing mental condition of clients who have already received treatment and assists them to go into society as confident individuals.

"In this rehabilitation unit, we develop social skills and neglected talents by involving the clients in group activities such as creative writing, computer studies, envelope making, card making, drama and music," said Ms. Anuradhini Yasaratne, Coordinator, Rehabilitation, explaining the work done in her department.

Apart from the 25 staff members working at Sahanaya, there are also the Friends of Sahanaya, who are a group of volunteers ranging from professionals, young students and housewives to a number of artistes, who give of their time and expertise for the benefit of the clients. The Caregivers Association consisting of family members and relatives of clients, is a forum to meet and discuss problems of those looking after people with mental illnesses. They also lobby for equal opportunities for those with mental illness.

Future goals of Sahanaya include building a residential facility for patients and establishing three regional centres in Matara, Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. A residential training centre and the development of a mental health resource centre too are on the list of proposals.

The workshop for creative writing and general English, conducted by Punyakante Wijenaike, who has been working closely with the centre since its inception. Speaking to a client at Sahanaya, we learned that for him, there was a tremendous improvement over the years at the centre.

"I suffer from Schizophrenia, and have been coming to Sahanaya since 1983. I'm still on drugs, but the activities we have here, have helped me immensely."

With some clients coming to the centre for years on a daily basis, and others who come simply for the sense of security and friendship they receive, Sahanaya is truly a haven for those with mental illness. This centre functions on contributions and gifts received by well-wishers, social organisers and members of the public and private sector.

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