About Raahat
Our mission
The core mission of the Raahat Project is to enhance awareness and understanding of mental health and improve self-care skills among queer youth. We achieve this through e-learning programs, in-person and online workshops, and fellowships. Designed and created jointly by mental health professionals and members of the queer community, Raahat addresses the unique mental health challenges and life stressors faced by queer individuals.
So what does our initiative provide? Inclusive and accessible support, relevant, culturally sensitive information, legal literacy and the chance to connect with other queer folx.
We aim to promote health equity, resilience, and self-care to create transformative change within LGBTQIA++ youth and the community overall.
Why is this programme important?
Mental health in the LGBTQIA++ community in India, South Asia and globally remains poor. There is still widespread non-acceptance, homophobia and lack of support.
What does it do for queer folx? It negatively impacts their mental health early on. They live through difficult questions, confusion and social and self-stigma.
Why? Because most folks just don't know about their own mental health. They don't hear enough positive stories about LGBTQIA++ people and their lives. Sometimes even important institutions and families don't understand, accept or support them. As a result, LGBTQIA++ folks with social rejection, stigma, and victimisation. This directly impacts their mental health and makes it tough for LGBTQIA++ folks to achieve good mental health. Mental health professionals. Counsellors, therapists who aren't familiar with LGBTQIA++ struggles often do not know how to ask the right questions or offer the most helpful support.
So what is The Raahat Project trying to do?
Through Raahat, we’re working with LGBTQIA++ youth communities in universities to build Mental Health Awareness and Self-Care. We want to empower these young people by reducing self-stigma – that negative voice in your head – and by equipping them with the tools they need to take charge of their mental well-being. By building awareness and self-care skills, we hope to make a real difference in the lives of LGBTQIA++ youth.
