PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH FOR A RESILIENT SOCIETY

At VARHAD, we are committed to fostering mental well-being and creating a supportive environment for individuals and communities. Our initiatives are designed to address the diverse mental health challenges faced by society, ensuring that no one is left behind. Here’s how we make a difference:

• Workshops and Awareness Programs for Mental Health Awareness:
  We believe that awareness is the first step toward change. VARHAD conducts interactive workshops and awareness programs to educate people about mental health, breaking stigmas and empowering individuals with first-hand knowledge. These initiatives aim to create a society where mental health is understood, valued, and prioritized.
• Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health in Society:
  At VARHAD, every program, workshop, and counseling session is a step toward nurturing mental well-being and empowering individuals to lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. We believe that mental health is the foundation of a thriving society, and our initiatives are designed to address the diverse needs of individuals across all walks of life.

COUNSELLING FOR EMOTIONAL STRENGTH

At VARHAD, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to prisoners, their families, and other underserved individuals. Our mission is to empower them to navigate the challenges they face and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Through our multifaceted counselling and advocacy initiatives, we address critical issues and ensure that the rights and well-being of every individual are upheld.

• Psycho-Social Support for Unemployed and Directionless Youth:
  Unemployment and a lack of direction can often lead young people astray, impacting their mental and emotional well-being. VARHAD provides psychosocial support to these youths through regular career counselling sessions, helping them rediscover their purpose and guiding them toward meaningful opportunities. Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to build a brighter future.
• Counselling for Innocent Lives Behind Bars:
  Mental health is a multifaceted issue that requires a holistic approach. VARHAD addresses this by focusing on vulnerable groups, such as children of prisoners who live with their mothers in prison. Recognizing the adverse effects of such environments, we organize cultural activities to safeguard their mental health and provide them with moments of joy and normalcy.
• Mental Health Support for Children of Prisoners and Their Families: Children of incarcerated individuals often face emotional and psychological challenges, along with stigma and trauma. At VARHAD, we provide tailored counselling and support programs to help them express their feelings, build resilience, and heal. We also offer specialized counselling to prisoners and their families, guiding them through the emotional and social struggles of incarceration. Our team raises awareness about legal rights like parole and furlough, advocating for their fair application to secure timely releases and foster family reunification.
• Counselling for Released Prisoners:
  Reintegration into society can be a daunting experience for released prisoners. Our post-release counselling programs are designed to help them adjust to life outside prison, rebuild relationships, and access opportunities for employment and rehabilitation. We work closely with them to address their emotional and practical needs, ensuring a smoother transition and reducing the risk of recidivism.
• Counselling for HIV-Affected Individuals We extend our support to HIV-affected individuals, including prisoners and their families, by providing compassionate counselling and guidance. Our programs focus on promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma, and connecting them with essential healthcare services and support networks.
• Collaboration and Advocacy
  VARHAD actively collaborates with prisoners’ families, prison authorities, police, judiciary, and state administration agencies to ensure the effective implementation of prisoners’ rights and rehabilitation programs. By fostering partnerships and advocating for systemic change, we aim to create a more just and inclusive society.

Through our holistic approach, we strive to transform lives, restore hope, and build a future where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive. Join us in our mission to make a lasting impact.

POLICY AND ADVOCACY FOR JUSTICE AND INCLUSION

At VARHAD, we believe in a well-thought-out and impactful approach to policy and advocacy. Our consistent efforts in engaging with the Government of Maharashtra have successfully enabled access to essential welfare schemes for marginalized communities, particularly the children and families of prisoners.
In many cases, the imprisonment of the primary breadwinner plunges families into poverty, leaving them vulnerable and underserved. Recognizing this critical issue, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that these families are identified as eligible beneficiaries for key government initiatives. These include

• Below Poverty Line (BPL) Ration Cards:
  Ensuring access to basic food supplies for families in need.
• Balsangopan Scheme:
  A child welfare program that supports the education and well-being of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana: Providing financial assistance to destitute families for their sustenance.
• Mukta Bandi Yojana:
  Empowering released prisoners through self-employment opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Through our advocacy and on-ground efforts, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and stigma faced by prisoners' families, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve. At VARHAD, we are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, one family at a time.

BRIDGING THE GAP WITH HOPE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

At VARHAD, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between incarcerated individuals and their families, fostering emotional connections and rebuilding trust. Our initiatives focus on maintaining these vital bonds, which are crucial for rehabilitation and mental well-being. Through our innovative ‘Galabhet’ programme, we facilitate barrier-free meetings between prisoners and their families, restoring a sense of belonging and hope. Additionally, our letter assistance programme ensures that communication remains alive, allowing families to stay connected even during challenging times.

Beyond fostering connections, we aim to strengthen trust in the judicial system by encouraging patience and lawful pathways to rehabilitation. By addressing the emotional and social needs of prisoners and their families, we promote inclusivity, reduce reoffending, and contribute to safer, more compassionate communities.

At VARHAD, we believe in the power of second chances and the importance of human connection. Join us in our mission to restore hope, rebuild lives, and create a more inclusive society. Together, we can make a difference.