Building Mental Health Systems Grounded in Research and Practice

“As a mental health practitioner, The Open Dialogue course helped me develop a deeper understanding of relational and dialogical care. It emphasised presence, listening, and making space for every voice. I’ve since incorporated its principles into my practice to build more respectful and collaborative spaces.”

“The course gave us tools to blend research and implementation in ways that centre people with lived experience—not just academics or policy folks. The in-person sessions, group activities, and reading circles were all deeply engaging. And learning from peers who were tackling their own persistent problems was incredibly valuable.”

“After ten years in the social sector, I was jobless and unsure of my next step. One day at a bus stop, I saw Nalam workers handing out kits to people experiencing homelessness. I asked about their work and heard about their mental health programme for women. They mentioned a vacancy—and I joined the very next day. Since then, I’ve picked up new skills like using WhatsApp and submitting reports. Most importantly, The Banyan supported me in earning a certificate. I’d always wanted to study, but no one—neither my parents nor my husband—encouraged me. I’m now the first in my family to earn a degree. A pattadhari!”