Snehalaya works for such nomadic, mentally challenged destitute by means of providing medical treatment, care, protection and social rehabilitation. Each such destitute is picked from roads, dustbins, bus shelters, marketplaces and railway stations, who are found to be the least in society.
The rudimentary aspects of Snehalaya are based Gospel of Matthew (25:35-40), “I was hungry and you gave me food, was thirsty and you gave me drink, A stranger and you welcomed me, Naked and you clothed me, I was ill and you cared for me, In prison and you visited me. ………. whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me”. The mentally ill and destitute are brought to Snehalaya. The social workers would then give them a good shave and a haircut. They are then given a good bath, make them wear clean & warm clothes, provide hygienic food, and give them complete rest for a day or two and then sent to the hospital for a preliminary check-up and for further treatment. After they are discharged from the hospital, they are brought back to the facility and are given professional counselling and all the care needed for their rehabilitation.
Counselling and related Activities: The Social workers interacting with the inmates, in the initial stages was not an easy task. Many of them do not respond. They show aggressive nature. But the skilful handling techniques used by the trained social workers enable them to collect details of the inmates. This gives a base for the counsellor to understand the background of the inmate and his underlying psychological condition. As the case is developed, the counsellor understands the thought processes and hazardous circumstances which the inmate faces. They also tabulate what trauma the inmates have passed. In this stage, the counsellor encourages the inmate to introspect themselves and make them aware of the importance of life and how to overcome the circumstance by introducing life skills in motivating, supporting and redressing their grievances. The motivational activities, sharing success stories, motivational videos, daily physical exercises, mind-refreshing games and recreational facilities, and various skill training coupled with occupational therapy enable them to comprehend their hidden maladies and assist them in adapting to their new life by getting them out from their reticent behaviour.
The inspiration behind these activities, guiding the staff, monitoring the kitchen and the timely medical follow up is personally monitored by Brother Joseph. His day begins at 5 am with personal prayer and ends only at 11.00 pm thanking the Lord. His personal family is completely dedicated to the service at Snehalaya and their breakfast to dinner is with the inmates. Every day one hour is allotted for prayers to everyone at Snehalaya. All the staff are disciplined in the centre exhibiting their routine as a model to the inmates.
Medical Intervention: Snehalaya has signed an MOU with Yenepoya Medical College Hospital (YMCH) and a General Physician attached to Community Health Centre, Manjeshwar for all the medical assistance. They pay regular visits to the institution and ensure that the medical and Psychological needs of the inmates are taken care of. The nursing staff at Snehalaya are committed who monitor each tablet, timely medical profiling of inmates and providing a homely feel. At present, the centre has 158 men from different states of India and an individual from Pakistan (whom we are unable to repatriate due to legal issues) It is also worth mentioning that more than 70 % of our inmates are rehabilitated back to their families, who are leading normal life.
