......caring for every body

INDIA PROJECTS

Equal Health has placements available in five Indian locations. These include a facility for mental health care, two orphanages, an ashram and a bible college. Equal Health is a non religious and non political organisation and does not advocate or align itself with views of its partner organisations. Equal Health projects include education and training at Anandaniketan, outreach clinics and health care for orphan children.

ANANDANIKETAN - SOCIETY FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Located in West Bengal, the Equal Health team of allied health professionals work along side the management, staff and residents of Anandaniketan to:

• Foster positive relationships with Anandaniketan staff and residents

• Promote knowledge and skills development of the Anandaniketan staff

• Promote the psychological, physical and social well being of residents by enhancing independent functioning, self worth, dignity and respect, and improvement of quality of life

Equal Health occupational therapists have designed and manufactured specialised seating for the residential children with cerebral palsy; prescribed and adapted mobility equipment; and provided education and training for carers, teachers and families regarding handling and management of children with cerebral palsy and autism. They have also provided education and training for all staff regarding the principles of normalisation and inclusion, and sensory stimulation and play with children with disabilities.

Equal Health physiotherapists, together with the Anandaniketan physiotherapist assess and provide therapy to residents with physical disabilities. A coordinated approach such as this helps promote a team approach to management of the residents' needs and enhances sustainability of the therapy programmes. Additionally Equal Health physiotherapists provide training for Anandaniketan staff in manual handling of residents. Equal Health has supplied resources and equipment for a ‘physiotherapy room’ where residents can receive their treatment and carry out their programmes. This is another measure used to increase programme sustainability.

Equal Health Occupational Therapist conducts an assessment on one of the children at Anandaniketan

Further support for the Anandaniketan staff is provided by Curtin University final year occupational therapy and physiotherapy students. Final year students can elect to carry out their final year practicum at Anandaniketan. These students work within the Equal Health framework and provide continuity and ongoing support for the staff and residents at Anandaniketan.

Extensive support, advice, education and training by an Equal Health mental health nurse has been provided for the Anandaniketan psychologists with regard to treatments, pharmacological and otherwise, for the residents with mental health conditions. Systems and processes for client management have also been developed and implemented by Equal Health mental health professionals.

Equal Health primary school teachers work closely with Anandaniketan special education teachers providing education and training and sharing of ideas. As a result Individual Education Plans have been designed and implemented for individual children attending the Special Needs School. The education and training of the local special education teachers in implementation of the designed programmes facilitates and promotes greater sustainability.

Equal Health allied health professionals have made a significant contribution to enhancing independent functioning, self worth, dignity and respect and improvement of quality of life for the Anandaniketan residents. This has been achieved through community development principles and we look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with Anandaniketan staff and residents.

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Equal Health Occupational Therapist with staff and students at Anandaniketan Special Needs School

Equal Health nurse delousing residents at Anandaniketan

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