MINDS is spread across six districts in Karnataka—Bangalore, Chitradurga, Vijayanagar, Yadagiri, Raichur, and Bidar. It raises awareness about the importance of mental health among children, parents, teachers, and mental health professionals, working to remove the stigma ascribed to it and create a supportive environment. A network of counseling centers at Don Bosco Institutions offers much-needed psychological and mentoring support.

Fifty-seven villagers assembled on October 10 for the first time to mark World Mental Health Day, organized by Don Bosco Yadgir and the BREADS-supported MINDS initiative in six districts of Karnataka. 

Similarly, a walkathon drew the attention of the townsfolk of Chitradurga to watch a skit and enjoy a lively flash mob by the local Don Bosco College students, communicating the importance of mental health. An awareness programme for women’s self-help groups was also organized.

A focused mental health awareness programme was organized in the Raichur district to equip Health (ASHA) Workers and local community members with the knowledge and resources necessary to support mental wellbeing within their communities.

In Bangalore city, MINDS staff conducted a mental health awareness programme in the Koramangala Primary Health Centre (PHC) for prenatal and post-natal women and created awareness among the thickly populated area. They also addressed the unique mental health challenges of 120 children affected and infected by HIV in the Daya Bhavan Group of Charitable Institutions to foster a supportive environment for their healing and growth.

In the Vijayanagara (Hospet) district, 100 selected children from nearby schools participated in a fun, informative quiz competition on mental health and then went around the village in a procession to spread awareness about mental health to the community. Facilitated by the MINDS staff, 65 youth in Bidar came together to discuss and share their mental health concerns and learn about available resources that could support them. This was followed by a public programme attended by hospital staff, social workers, and the general public.