MUMBAI: IDFC FIRST Bank has launched ‘Reach Out Reach Within’, a digital campaign on mental health awareness, with an objective to mainstream conversations around mental well-being.
The campaign aims to build awareness around the importance of mental health while also driving dialogue on bridging the gap in access to quality healthcare.
As part of the campaign, the Bank has been driving conversations around mental health on social media and engaging experts in the field, who respond to queries on the subject. A dedicated web portal has been set up, which serves as a repository of expert views and discussions related to mental health.
According to the National Mental Health Survey Data, 150 million people across India are in need of mental healthcare interventions, both short and long-term. About 46% of private-sector employees report extreme stress because of their work.
Even though conversations around mental health have risen, experts are of the view that the subject needs more attention. The campaign aims to inform, build awareness and open a dialogue in the space of mental health. In addition, the Bank has partnered with the Banyan Academy for Leadership in Mental Health as its knowledge partner to enhance capacity building for care-givers in the mental health space.
As a part of the campaign, the Bank has published interactive social media posts that focus on mental health concerns.
Rachana Iyer, Head CSR, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “The Covid-induced lockdown and the uncertainty thereafter, has impacted mental health across age groups and sectors. There is a need to go beyond medicine and follow a more holistic approach to mental health. We believe that the campaign will not only solve for some deep-rooted challenges but focus more on community-peer support, inclusion, accessibility and awareness to create significant impact on-ground.”
