manas-khanika

Psychiatric Clinic on each Monday & Wednesday at 9 AM at Teghari, Madanpur, Dist.Nadia

Eye-Clinic on 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 9 AM

Postal address of Clinic & Home

Manas, Vill. Teghari, P.O. Madanpur, Dist. Nadia -741245, West Bengal, INDIA

How to reach: Get down at Madanpur Rly Stn. Take Riksha or Cycle-van or walk for about 15 min to reach Manas Clinic at Teghari.

Ph. +91-95-3473-230150

<[email protected]>

[email protected]

<[email protected]>

Registered Address: MANAS, C/O Amal Som, P-239A Kimber Street, Kolkata -700017, INDIA

Rgn. No.S/35603 of 1982-83 of 1982-83 under West Bengal, Act. No. XXVI of 1961

"Khanika"

Home for an "Extended Family"

It was our realization that Psychiatrists and Drug combine alone cannot be the answer to the problems of the families with mentally disturbed members. As time passes the family or the caregiver becomes more distressed than the patient himself or herself. They look for support from outside. But who can provide such support? Thus the idea of Extended Family emerged and we put our efforts to create an "Extended Family" like space where the patients, their families, friends and volunteers may stay together for mutual help. The result is the Home we named "Khanika".

Collective Therapeutic

The "collective" living of the of the patients, their families, friends and trained volunteers in an inhibition-free, mentally refreshing environment gives a feeling of well-being within all participants. The Therapeutic effect is achieved through collective activities in care-free, friendly, non-judgemental, non-hierarchical, Ashrom-like environment.

Environment

The building is situated in a lash green surroundings of plants and agricultural field with a pond in one side. The corridor in front of the rooms overseas vast open space.

The Mode of Functioning

Many of the jobs are done on self help basis. Everyone is supposed to take part in the running of the Home in some way or other.

How to be associated

This is an experimental venture and just a begining. The space is also very limited. To start with the families who are known to us for some time and who were connected with the activities of Manas are accommodated first. A Stress Family Solidarity or SFS-group is formed comprising of few such families. It is they who are entrusted with the task of running the Home. To make acqaintance with the program in spirit and content several camps were organised taking all those families together. At times when rooms remain vacant other families and patients are accommodated.

Who are eligible

This is not a nursing home. So persons with acute problem are not accommodated. The choice is made on the basis of assessment of the case by doctors and social workers here. However, the prime requirement for becoming a member of the "Extended Family" is the readiness to accept the spirit of coperative living and mutual help.

Expenses

Since this is run more or less on self-help basis, it is aimed at to keep the charges as minimum as possible taking associated costs into consideration.

Participatory works

Besides taking care of one's own affairs, the guests are expected to take part in the day to day functions of Manas according to their ability. They may help in clinic work, in office work, in gardening & agricultural work or in similar other work.