Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust led by Neerja Birla, has announced its goal to touch 150 million lives by 2030. This announcement comes as part of Mpower’s continued efforts to address the pressing issue of mental health, which has been exacerbated by the stresses of daily life. To date, Mpower has already impacted over 20 million lives since its inception in 2017, the company informed in a press statement on Monday.
Mpower offers a range of affordable, multidisciplinary mental health services through various initiatives. The Mpower Foundation, with locations in Mumbai and Virar, provides essential mental health services to those in need. Project Mann, another key initiative, focuses on increasing mental health awareness and support for the Central Industrial Security Force. Additionally, Mpower supports the Government of India’s Tele-Manas initiative, ensuring round-the-clock mental health aid is available.
In collaboration with the Mumbai Police, Mpower runs Project Saksham, which provides counselling and mental health support to women who are victims of violence and aims to reduce recidivism by counselling perpetrators. Project Samvedna works with 40 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to aid the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) in Maharashtra, focusing on rural outreach and awareness.
Mpower's diverse projects also include Project Oorja for school children, Project Suraksha for Mumbai Railway Forces, and COPE, a peer-led initiative to prevent mental health problems among youth. The BMC-Mpower 1:1 helpline, a 24x7 national, toll-free facility (1800-120-820050), provides immediate support to those seeking help.
During a stakeholder meeting with CSR representatives from India’s leading corporates, NGO partners, and Government bodies, Parveen Shaikh, Vice President of Operations at Mpower, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in tackling mental health challenges. "Our stakeholder meeting was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we bear in addressing mental health challenges. With the steadfast support of our partners, Mpower is resolutely committed to extending affordable mental healthcare access nationwide. By 2030, our goal is to positively impact millions of lives, nurturing a mentally robust society. Through dynamic collaboration and innovative strategies, we're poised to make significant strides in destigmatising mental health. Together, we're not just shaping policies; we're shaping futures, building a brighter, healthier tomorrow for all," Shaikh stated.
