About the Children's OPD

 
Poverty puts children at greater risk of mental illness, behavioural problems and learning difficulties, through risk factors such as inadequate nutrition and major infections. Later-appearing effects of poverty, such as child labour, limited stimulation and social isolation can further impair child development. Our child case-studies provide examples of the multiple and interacting risk factors which poverty can create across a child's development.

In September 2002 Friends of Antara UK started an appeal to create a comprehensive and pioneering Mental Health service for children. In the whole of West Bengal (population 80 million) there are very few facilities or services accessible to all children regardless of background.

To answer this need we have already funded the creation of a 32-bed ward for children. Our next aim is the creation of a Child Outpatient Department (OPD).

Antara started a once weekly ‘Child guidance clinic’ in 1997 operating from the adult OPD.  Already this service assists 350 families in and around Kolkata. The demand for services is growing, with daily appeals from families and organisations working with orphans, street children or school children.

With the help of UK donors a designated Children’s OPD is being built adjacent to the children’s ward, with facilities for clinics, counselling, group work, specialist therapies and assessment.

The focus of these outpatient services will be:

• Prevention through the SMCS programme. 
• Early assessment and diagnosis.
• Skills training and family education.
• Substance misuse services.
• Counselling and self-help groups.

How you can help

As our target shows we still need your support to complete the construction and equipping of the Children's OPD. To help with this appeal you can donate on-line:

 Alternatively go to our donate page now, or see our printable appeal sheet.