Helping people heal & breaking stigmas, one cafe at a time

CHENNAI: Soon, the

Institute of Mental Health

(IMH) will boast of a cafe that will sell fresh bread and cakes. What sets it apart is the fact that all the items on the menu will be baked by residents of

IMH

.


“Rvive, which means ‘come to life’ will open by the first week of August. The name is apt as it will give the residents a new purpose in life,” says Poorna Chandrika, director, IMH.

The aim is to bring people living with mental illnesses into the mainstream. “The stigma surrounding them is still high.But once they have a sense of purpose they will acclimatise and prosper.” Eleven residents are being trained in baking confectionery and they will all be paid for their services.

Across the country, various institutions like IMH have launched cafes in an effort to help rehabilitate and mainstream burn and acid attack survivors, people with disabilities and disadvantaged sections of society. Aside from giving them financial independence, it also aids the emotional and psychological healing process. “Being involved in activities such as cooking and baking can be healing as they are soothing,” says psychiatrist Dr Lakshmi Vijayakumar. “And financial stability and dignity are also crucial in improving mental health.”

A few years ago, The Banyan established Nalam cafe, which is run by women with mental health issues. Mrinalini Ravi, deputy director of The Banyan, says, “People with mental illnesses have been historically ostracised, and stigmatised. Providing such opportunities will give people a chance to see them in the workforce, increase social mixing, and encourage more of them to work. Research has proved that work participation improves mental health.”

Uma Devi

, who works at Nalam cafe, run by The Banyan, lost her job and became homeless soon after she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. “After I began working at the cafe, I started interacting with the public, gained financial stability and am now saving up to buy a house,” she says.

Sankalp, The

Learning Centre and Special School

, which primarily teaches children and young adults with autism, is setting up a baking and confectionery unit on their campus in Kolapancherry, Poonamallee. The unit will be operated by their students above18 years of age. “We have selected around 10 students who are ready to enter the job market but don’t find proper avenues due to the stigma,” says director

Sulata Ajit

.

Chennai Province, a nonprofit, is opening food outlets in four educational institutions across the city which will be run by transgender people. “When students interact with them, it will help them understand the community better,” says Sr. Francisco Nirmala F M M, provincial superior of the organisation.

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