Community Mental Health

ECTC's Community Mental Health Initiative in Konjyosom Rural Municipality

For several years, Elijah Counselling & Training Centre (ECTC) has been actively providing mental health awareness, counselling, training, and psychosocial support services to diverse communities both within and outside the Kathmandu Valley. Through community-based awareness programmes, school interventions, counselling services, capacity-building trainings, and collaboration with local stakeholders, ECTC has worked to promote mental well-being, reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and strengthen community resilience across Nepal.

Building on this experience, ECTC has expanded its community mental health initiatives to Konjyosom Rural Municipality, Lalitpur District, recognizing the growing need for accessible mental health services in rural communities.

Beginning 

On 2 June 2026, ECTC officially established its field office in Sano Chaughare, Ward No. 1, Konjyosom Rural Municipality, after receiving the necessary approval from the Social Welfare Council, Nepal. The establishment of the office reflects ECTC's long-term commitment to improving mental health and psychosocial well-being in the municipality through sustainable, community-based interventions.

Konjyosom Rural Municipality, located in the southern part of Lalitpur District, consists of five wards and is home to a predominantly Tamang population. Although the municipality has a strong sense of community and rich cultural heritage, recent community assessments and consultations have highlighted increasing mental health concerns, including limited awareness of mental health, persistent stigma, rising cases of psychological distress and suicide, and inadequate access to professional mental health services.

In response to these identified needs, ECTC has been working in close partnership with the Konjyosom Rural Municipality, ward offices, health posts, schools, community groups, and other local stakeholders to strengthen mental health awareness and improve access to support services. By working collaboratively with local institutions and community members, ECTC aims to foster a supportive environment where mental health is understood, openly discussed, and appropriately addressed.

Goal

To improve the mental well-being of individuals and communities in Konjyosom Rural Municipality by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, strengthening local capacity, and improving access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services.

Objectives

ECTC aims to:

• Increase community awareness of mental health and psychosocial well-being.
• Reduce stigma and misconceptions related to mental illness.
• Promote early identification and timely referral of individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Strengthen collaboration among local government, health institutions, schools, and community organizations.
• Build the capacity of teachers, health workers, Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), youth leaders, and community volunteers in basic mental health knowledge and psychological first aid.
• Provide counselling and psychosocial support services for individuals and families in need.
• Promote suicide prevention through awareness, early intervention, and community support mechanisms.

Major Activities

ECTC implements various community-based mental health programmes, including:

• Mental health awareness programmes
• School-based mental health education
• Community counselling services
• Individual and family counselling
• Capacity-building and training for teachers and health workers
• Suicide prevention awareness campaigns
• Community outreach and home visits
• Referral and follow-up support
• Collaboration meetings with local government and stakeholders