The Banyan Journey: A Continuum in Community Mental Health Care

The Banyan, a mental health service organisation, came into fruition in 1993 in response to complex problems surrounding the mental health of ultra-vulnerable populations. They offer comprehensive mental health and social care solutions for persons who are homeless and living in poverty with severe mental disorders. Whilst the services are social justice-centred and promote community inclusion; the need to build culturally specific, diverse and scalable models that address care gaps is of vital importance. Over the years, they have worked towards reframing mental health solutions using a person-centred, cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach, in line with variegated socio-political and cultural contexts. In this chapter, some of The Banyan’s flagship programmes such as its hospital-based services (Emergency Care and Recovery Centres), inclusive living options (Home Again) and mental health and social care units (NALAM) are explored. For stakeholder responsibility and partnership for sustainability, they collaborate with multiple government and non-government agencies, and global partners with a common vision and values.