KOSHISH is a non-governmental organization established in 2008 and led by individuals with firsthand experience to promote mental health and psychosocial well-being in Nepal. We strive to ensure the inclusion and meaningful participation of people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in line with international human right treaties, including United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD, 2006). We promote self-advocacy in the spirit of “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US.”

We have been continuously advocating for mainstreaming and inclusion of mental health in overall health system and beyond (social protection, education, meaningful inclusion, employment, etc.).

Summary of relevant work: 

KOSHISH works under 3 thematic areas - Advocacy and awareness, Community Engagement and Humanitarian Response

1. Advocacy and Awareness: 

KOSHISH advocates for adoption, amendment and implementation of laws, regulations, policies and programs in line with the Nepali constitution, 2015, and international human rights treaties, especially UNCRPD, 2006. Working in both top down and bottom up approaches, KOSHISH focuses on:

  • Capacity building,

  • Collaboration,

  • Partnership,

  • Networking,

  • Lobbying,

  • Media mobilization,

  • Laws and policies review and their effective follow-up.

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It has helped to raise awareness and orient government stakeholders, judiciary, bureaucrats, constitutional body members, media personnel, CSOs, rights holders and the public on the issues of mental health and psychosocial disability.

2. Community Engagement: 

Under Community Engagement, KOSHISH has been promoting self-empowerment, inclusive families, responsive governance, and a sensitive community for the well being of persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities. This thematic area emphasizes social considerations in basic services and security, strengthening support systems, and providing non-specialized and specialized services to persons with mental health conditions in line with WHO’s IASC guideline. It is an inclusive rights-based approach that provides accessible, preventive, protective and promotive services utilizing local resources and ensuring quality participation of persons with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities.

3. Humanitarian Response:

Under humanitarian response, KOSHISH has been implementing various interventions during emergencies, such as earthquake, COVID-19 pandemic, etc. During the COVID-19 pandemic, KOSHISH not only provided Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for people living with or at risk of mental health conditions, but also provided various relief assistance (food and non-food items, basic hygienic kits) to those in need. Additionally, KOSHISH has been providing emergency psychosocial support and care to those women who have been subjected to human rights violations due to their mental health condition and also to those who do not have access to quality psychosocial care due to low economic conditions and gender based violence.

Address: 

GPO Box No. 8975, EPC 2706, Kathmandu, Nepal

Email: 
info@koshishnepal.org
Telephone: 
977-1-5121230
Key partners: 
  • Ministry of Health & Population
  • Ministry of Women Children and Social Welfare
  • National Human Right Commission
  • National Women Commission 
  • Local Government
Funders: 
Seeking collaboration with: 
Other organizations
Experts by experience/service users
Researchers
Policy makers
Country: 
Nepal

People

Innovations and resources

node teaser-image

Emergency psychosocial response following the earthquake in Nepal 2015

Response to mental health and psychosocial support needs by providing access to comprehensive care, and promoting resilience through self-help groups.
Region: 
Asia
Population: 
Humanitarian and conflict health
Disorder: 
All disorders
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