British Asian Trust
Millions of people in South Asia are facing a mental health crisis. We urgently need your help to get quality treatment and life-changing support to those who need it the most.
In Pakistan, as many as one in five families is affected by mental health problems, and yet in the whole country there are fewer than 400 psychiatrists. That’s the terrifying reality for the millions of vulnerable people in the country who are experiencing mostly treatable mental health related issues.
Every pound you give to our mental health work in Pakistan will be doubled by the CareTech Foundation and COSARAF, doubling the impact of your donation.
Our Causes
Rohingya Refugee Crisis
In Bangladesh, more than 900,000 Rohingya people are living as refugees, having fled unspeakable violence in Myanmar.
They are still at huge risk of trafficking, abuse and exploitation. In the coming rainy season, we urgently need your help to keep refugee women and children safe from harm, and help survivors recover from trauma.
Will you help us cast a light on those living in darkness?
Will you help us change minds this Ramadan?
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About the British Asian Trust
Approach
Mental health is a desperately under-reported and under-resourced crisis in South Asia.
With your support, British Asian Trust can start to transform this tragic situation. We have plans in place to integrate mental health care within poor communities, improve access to clinical services, provide training and broaden understanding of mental health issues. With your help, we can set about changing minds together.
Severe depression, brought on by overwhelming anxiety about a lack of money and her children’s futures, pushed Abida into trying to take her own life. She survived and has now been able to get medication. But Abida keeps her experience a secret, believing that if her family knew they would write her off her as crazy.
Because of stigma, most people in Abida’s position receive no help, may be taken to faith healers and risk rejection from their community.
We’re asking for your help to change minds and end the misery and despair experienced by so many people because of mental health problems.
Our Ambassadors
Meera Syal
Ambassador
“I am pleased to lend my name and my support to The British Asian Trust and its work with the most vulnerable people in South Asia and the UK. Building self-sufficiency in poor communities is a proven and effective way to combat poverty.”
See all our AmbassadorsHRH The Prince of Wales
Founder
HRH The Prince of Wales founded the British Asian Trust in 2007 to do something about the widespread poverty and hardship that he saw in South Asia. He turned to the entrepreneurial spirit of the British Asian diaspora, aiming to link them with innovative social entrepreneurs and grassroots interventions in the region.
See all our AmbassadorsKumar Sangakkara
Ambassador
"I only hope that I can contribute in any way that I can to help the Trust continue its wonderful work with young people in South Asia"
See all our Ambassadors@britishasiantst
Support our #ChangeMinds appeal this #Ramadan and help shed light on the #mentalhealth crisis in #SouthAsia. All do… https://t.co/gAyK3MAx0e
Finalists for the @forWomanity Award 2018 are out! This year the focus has been on 'Safer Cities for Women'. Deligh… https://t.co/Tmgt2wagqD
“I want to make people aware about mental illness”. In #Pakistan – as in many countries – mental health issues are… https://t.co/VnVVkS9M93
Privileged to be joined by @UBSoptimus @UnitedBankUK @zincoccasions @BPF_UK at our upcoming #Iftar event at Kensin… https://t.co/GdpQQ8erLP
Honoured to have @CareTechFdn & @cosaraf at our #Iftar event at Kensington Palace Pavilion next week and to have th… https://t.co/zeORXwzlyJ
Support our #ChangeMinds appeal this #Ramadan. In #Bangladesh £120 could run a safe space for 60 refugee Rohingya c… https://t.co/vXbTwUp6UQ
Wonderful to have @britishasiantst ambassadors @GanatraNitin & @RaishmaCouture joining our #Iftar at Kensington Pa… https://t.co/ZpllmWUvFL
Thrilled that the amazing Pakistani actress @sanammodysaeed will be joining us at our forthcoming #Iftar at Kensing… https://t.co/bxDZsU9iWd
Excited to be celebrating our #Iftar at Kensington Palace Pavilion on 29 May with our ambassadors @DJNoreenKhan &… https://t.co/W78zKRa2jE