Penned By Communications Manager, Aditi Mandadi
On one hand, we have social workers who care, listen, and act; on the other, we have beneficiaries who are heard, supported, and empowered. Together, they form the heart of every story of change at Sharana. True empowerment goes beyond education, resources, or livelihood support, it includes caring for the mind and heart, and making mental well-being accessible to all. This is a principle Sharana has embraced from the very beginning.
For our beneficiaries, we create mental health awareness sessions through talks and expressive arts sessions conducted by our in-house certified expressive arts practitioner, Manuel Theremand. These initiatives normalise conversations around mental health, foster emotional maturity, and provide a safe space for community members to reflect, confide, and heal. Whether it is a child navigating challenges at home or a mother finding her voice, or a father, life is rarely a bed of roses. We encourage them to acknowledge life’s difficulties, pause when needed, but never limit their potential for growth.
Expressive Arts session for fathers
In the same way, for our team, including social workers and field staff who are often the first point of contact with communities, mental health support is equally essential. Sharana provides bi-weekly counselling sessions with our in-house counsellor, Divya Parashar, offering a confidential space for dialogue, reflection, and emotional regulation. These sessions help our team set boundaries, manage stress, and sustain their own well-being. By acknowledging life’s challenges, they too strengthen their capacity to grow, empathise, and serve with resilience.
Team in Divya’s session
At Sharana, we firmly believe that when those who serve are cared for, and those who are supported are empowered, their strength, compassion, and awareness naturally enhance the quality of every initiative. By fostering spaces for connectedness and renewal we nurture a culture where mental health is valued as much as every other aspect of development, helping everyone embrace life’s realities while realising their full potential.
