What We Do
Rescuing and welcoming destitute mentally ill women into Abayashram is a heartfelt decision. We walk alongside them, providing them treatment and shelter and also necessary psychosocial therapies to regain their strength, and discover a renewed sense of purpose.
Each woman we care for was once someone’s mother, wife, daughter or sister, who when stricken with mental illness was ostracised due to fear of stigma and left all alone to fend for herself on the streets. All of the terrible things one could envisage, did happen to these women and more. The humiliation and abuse never stopped – until they found sanctuary within the walls of Abayashram.
Our story begins with Daisy Mathew, who drew inspiration from the Mar Thoma Mission, Hoskote and embarked on various initiatives and value-oriented interventions to uplift slumdwellers and rural youth.
In 1996, she founded Vision India, a nonprofit organization, to empower and care for distressed rural women, particularly the physically challenged, and those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Deeply moved by the alarming increase in destitute mentally unsound women on the streets and highways, Daisy Mathew often wondered why no one took action. Then she realized she could be the one to bring about change. On September 11, 1998, she set up Abayashram.
Despite a shoestring budget, Daisy Mathew wholeheartedly embarked on a mission of care at Abayashram, offering not only a safe haven but also desperately needed psychiatric treatment, counseling, rehabilitation, and support for the battered women, all offered completely free of charge.
Located in Kattamnallur, Bangalore, Abayashram became a sanctuary where mentally unsound women who found solace, healing, and hope; and most importantly, were embraced as unique individuals deserving of dignity and respect.
Rescue
It starts with: "Are you ok?"
Frequently, we come across women aimlessly wandering the streets near roadsides, temples, churches, mosques, bus stands, railway station platforms, highways and even cemeteries. The path to rescuing these mentally ill women begins with a simple question, "Are you OK?" and is the beginning of a much-needed journey toward recovery. By extending a listening ear, understanding, and empathy, we gain their trust and offer them a space where they are heard and understood.
Before bringing these destitute mentally ill women to Abayashram, we follow essential protocols, including a mandatory police verification process. Additionally, we encourage notifications from both the police, other NGOs and concerned citizens regarding destitute, mentally unsound women or girls who require assistance.
Rehabilitation
Bringing back the calm and dignity
Once we rescue these women and ensure their immediate needs for food, clean clothes and safe shelter at Abayashram are met, we embark on a journey to restore their well-being and facilitate healing. Through a holistic range of care encompassing psychiatric therapy, medical assistance, counselling and social support, these women gradually regain their self-worth, discover their voices, and ultimately experience a newfound sense in overall quality of life.
Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on fostering their self-sufficiency and dignity through our personalized rehabilitation programs like vocational training, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, behavioral therapy, pet therapy life skills development, and meaningful extra-curricular activities, tailored to each individual's unique needs and interests.
Restore & Reintegration
Children meet their long-lost Mom;
Elderly parents reunite with their Daughter;
Husbands reconnect with their Wife;
Siblings get back their Sister
Is there life after mental illness? Many women who once sought refuge at Abayashram are living proof that with proper treatment, mental illness is treatable and can live a normal life again.
After empowering the residents with the necessary vocational skills, we initiate the process of identifying and reconnecting them with family. Every effort is made to locate and reunite them with their loved ones leading to heartwarming reunions and rediscovered cherished bonds.
Follow-up Care
Nurturing Lifelong Mental Health
Our commitment doesn't end once the women are reunited with their family. We continue to work closely with and counsel both the recovered women and their families, ensuring that the prescribed medications are readily available and that they have the necessary resources to sustain their treatment regimens effectively.
We also facilitate regular appointments with their mental health providers, fostering a continuum of care that supports their long-term mental well-being.
In cases where these women face rejection from their families, we take measures to assist them in securing employment and finding appropriate housing.
