SAJIDA Mental Health Programme

PROSHANTI, a project by SAJIDA Foundation, is a community-based supportive living service for individuals with chronic mental illnesses, particularly from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Moving away from institutional models, PROSHANTI offers a compassionate, structured alternative by housing residents in shared homes that foster a family-like environment. These spaces provide clinical support alongside the healing power of connection, routine, and community. The program follows a 24-month, four-phase intervention—covering functionality development, social engagement, capacity building, and livelihood support. Through this model, residents are gradually empowered to manage their health, build essential life skills, pursue education or vocational training, and prepare for reintegration into society or family life.

Grounded in a person-centered, rights-based approach, PROSHANTI is led by a multidisciplinary team, largely composed of non-specialist assistants offering daily care and mentorship. Its strong referral network—including institutions like Pabna Mental Health Hospital and the National Institute of Mental Health—ensures steady client intake and knowledge sharing. In its pilot phase, seven homes were established in Habiganj and Manikganj, supporting 40 residents. Some have already taken on assistant roles in clinics, while others are preparing for employment. These early results underscore PROSHANTI’s potential to break cycles of neglect and redefine mental health recovery in Bangladesh.

Recognized by World Health Organization (WHO):
PROSHANTI’s innovative approach has also gained international recognition—being featured twice by the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR) in 2024.

It was highlighted in the module on Deinstitutionalization of People with Mental Health Conditions, as well as in the Community-Based Mental Health Services report, reinforcing the program’s significance as a replicable model for rights-based, community-rooted mental health care. By fostering dignity, autonomy, and inclusion, PROSHANTI is not just filling a gap in the mental health care system—it is actively reshaping the narrative around mental illness.

“SHOJON- tele mental health service” is an initiative of SAJIDA Foundation aiming to ensure mental health care for low, poor, and ultra-poor individuals who otherwise can’t access mental health services. Using this platform any individual sustaining mental distress can take mental health treatment ranging from primary care all the way to long-term intervention such as counseling/psychotherapy and psychiatric support from psychologists and psychiatrists. Anyone from any region of the country can take mental health services in affordable cost using their mobile by calling on a common number. Here, initially a para-counselor provides primary mental health care to a client and then based on psychological assessments refers to SHOJON’s psychologists and/or psychiatrists as per needs. The Helpline No is 09606119900 & its service remains open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.

In response to the emotional and psychological impact of the July–August movement, SAJIDA Foundation, in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, established the Sajida Trauma Counseling Centre. This initiative supports individuals who were directly affected or witnessed the violence, helping them process trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress in a safe and supportive environment.

Why We Exist

Many survivors of the crisis continue to suffer in silence. Mental health services are often out of reach, especially during times of unrest. The Trauma Counseling Centre was launched to bridge this gap, offering critical mental health care that is accessible, confidential, and free of charge.

What We Offer

• Free and confidential counseling
• Trauma-focused psychological support
• Stress and emotion management sessions

Our team of trained psychologists and counselors use evidence-based approaches like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help individuals rebuild emotional resilience and find a path toward healing.

Where to Find Us

• Tele-Mental Health Support (SHOJON): 09606119900
• Narayanganj 300 Bed Hospital: Room 23/02, 1st Floor (Beside ICU)
• National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka: Outdoor Unit, Room 13

Impact at a Glance

• Total individuals reached: 3,075+
• Clients receiving focused counseling: 179+
• Total sessions provided: 300+

Together, we are creating space for healing—one person at a time

SAJIDA Mental Health Program has developed the curriculum of a six-month long certification course on "Community Mental Health Care" with extensive consultations from relevant stakeholders and institutions. The course aims to train and create skilled Community Mental Health Care Workers (CMHWs) who can provide mental healthcare to rural and urban people in Bangladesh. The first round of this course was launched in September 2022 and concluded in February 2023, graduating 18 Participants.

Transforming Workplace Well-Being in Bangladesh’s RMG Industry

The Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector fuels 84% of Bangladesh’s exports and employs over 4 million people, 54% of them women. Yet beneath this economic success lies a hidden crisis: stress, anxiety, depression, and gender-based violence affecting thousands of workers.

A well-being survey by SAJIDA Foundation across five factories revealed:

• 34.4% of workers experienced “worse well-being” (WHO-5 Well-Being Index).
• 5.8% showed signs of depressive symptoms.

In partnership with the British Asian Trust and Primark, SAJIDA Foundation launched Moner Kotha to address this urgent need, bringing mental health out of the shadows and into the workplace.

Our Approach: Building a Network of Support Inside Factories

• Awareness Workshops: Tailored sessions with workers, staff, and management to normalise conversations around mental health.
• Lay Counseling Network: 50 factory welfare officers trained as first-line counselors.
• Referral Pathways: Establishing affordable, professional care for workers needing advanced support.

Embedding Mental Health in the Workplace

• 2,500 RMG workers, predominantly women, received orientation, counseling, and mental health support.
• Factories are building sustainable in-house systems for worker well-being.