Mind Jersey is an independent local charity that provides support to people living with mental illness. Our vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all, and that treats people with experience of mental illness fairly, positively and with respect. Although affiliated with Mind in the UK, Mind Jersey retains its independence, both financially and operationally. All money raised by Mind Jersey stays in Jersey for the benefit of Island residents. Our affiliation ensures that we meet Mind’s quality standards of governance and service delivery, follow best practice models of involving local people in their community – People who have had experience of mental illness – and provide good quality services. This can only be a good thing, demonstrating that we are a serious organisation that works professionally, has a stable management structure and well supported and appropriately trained and skilled staff.

Millions of people in South Asia are affected by mental illness.

Yet this is largely ignored by governments and often even international development agencies. 

Nepal has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Community-based reports claim that suicide is the leading killer amongst women of reproductive age.
For every individual struggling with mental illness, many others also suffer. This is especially true for women and girls, who often have to give up jobs and education to care for a relative with a mental illness.

Many regions high in the Himalayas are devoid of mental health care but severely affected by high levels of alcoholism and substance misuse related disorders, gender-based violence and related suicide, with women and girls being most at risk. Stigma and misunderstanding mean people are often ostracized because of their illness and reports of the abuse of people with mental illness are common with individuals being put in cages/chained up.
But the good news is that with the right care and support mental health problems can be effectively treated. This leads to happier individuals, fewer people falling into poverty, and better life chances for women and children, and especially girls.

Jaya Mental Health is dedicated to addressing the stark global disparities in mental health support for low-income communities. Our sustainable model focusses on empowering local nurses, healthcare workers, and volunteers by providing essential training in mental healthcare skills so that communities can take care of their own mental health into the future. The local team of mental health professionals based in Nepal lead on many of the projects and ensure that the approach is culturally appropriate. The charity relies totally on donations to fund its projects and all donations will have a direct impact on improving the mental health care available to communities in Nepal.