Lifting the Weight
The Weight We Carry and KOSHISH are working together to build a Women’s Mental Health Transit Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal. At this centre Nepalese women suffering from mental illness and other psychological issues will receive Short-term Emergency Care and Professional Mental Health Support.
The centre will provide a safe and respectful space for women to recover at their own pace with a general stay of 3 months until they are assisted in reintegration with their family or community.
Tom and Kyle with members of the Koshish professional mental health team
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What is Koshish
These are their Stories
April 2015: The Earthquake
In April 2015 a massive earthquake and subsequent aftershocks struck Kathmandu and many regional areas of Nepal. Alongside this people lost relationships with friends, family members and community. Although initial practical support was available in some areas during this time, it eventually dropped off as international attention was placed elsewhere and the crisis dropped out of our media outlets.
Over 21,000 People Injured
Almost 9,000 Lives Lost
Millions left without basic necessities of life
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The Aftermath: Three Years Later
Trauma, stigma, abuse.
The magnitude of these impacts is still evident today. Many people in Nepal remain traumatised and their mental health continues to be impacted. Stigma within the Nepalese community often results in people suffering from severe untreated mental illnesses, being exposed to horrific living conditions, such as living on the street, and in many cases results in terrible abuse such as being kept in cages or chained to trees.
Nepal has one of the weakest mental health systems in the world, with only 0.08% of their health budget going towards mental health services.
Advocating for Change: Koshish
KOSHISH is a Nepalese founded and run non-government organization in Nepal focusing on emergency and community-based mental health support. As well as providing these integral services they are strong advocates for mental health within the community and government. Following an approach of both direct service delivery and advocacy demonstrates that Koshish are committed to effecting change on all levels.
The word ‘KOSHISH’ itself means ‘making an effort’ and since 2008 KOSHISH have been advocating for the inclusion and dignity of people with mental health and psychosocial issues, as well as supporting them to recover in their own unique way.
