Improving mental health of street children

Why this is important 

Street children in Pakistan are at high risk of experiencing trauma and abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. They also often lack access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. Such experiences can have a lasting impact on their mental health and well-being, leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health issues are often overlooked or ignored in Pakistan, and there is a lack of awareness and support for those who suffer from mental health issues. This can make it difficult for street children to access the help and support they need. 

To understand the traumas of street children, it is important to sensitise child protection officers and members of the legal fraternity towards the basic principles of acceptance, communication, non-judgemental attitudes, self-control, and empathy to change their attitudes when dealing with children.  

This project is helping to identify and address mental health issues of street children which will provide rehabilitation counselling and therapy services and create a safe and supportive environment for street children.