May 2, 2025
Rethinking ‘expertise’ in grassroots mental healthcare
A community-based approach to mental health can ensure that programmes are contextually relevant, equitable, and accountable to the people they serve.
Kakul Sairam is a lived experience advisor at Burans and a fundraising and philanthropy coordinator at One All Trust. She is a mental health practitioner with personal experience of mental health distress. Her work centres on community mental health, resilience, and gender. Kakul's professional interests lie in developing inclusive mental health services and empowering others through peer support. She has previously worked with organisations including TISS Mumbai, Mahila Samakhya Uttarakhand, BALM, and PRIA.
Community mental health, peer support, co-design, project implementation, capacity building
Burans, One All Trust