Rural Program

One in seven Indians experience some form of mental disorder. Mental illness, like any other illness, does not discriminate and is prevalent across age groups, income levels and urban and rural settings. According to the Indian government, nearly 70% of the population resides in rural India where access to adequate facilities for support are a challenge. Recognizing this need, LiveLoveLaugh supports vulnerable populations in rural communities.


Click Here to view LLL's Rural Program Visit to Koraput District, Odisha in April 2023

Click Here to view LLL's Rural Program visit to Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu on World Mental Health Day 2022. 

About The Program

The program provides free psychiatric treatment to persons with mental illness (PWMIs), rehabilitation for PWMIs and their carers, and creates a sustainable model of prevention and treatment of mental illness. The program also aims to build awareness about mental health and normalize mental illness.


Click Here to view LLL's Rural Program visit to Davangere, Karnataka on World Mental Health Day, 2017.

  • Mode Of Delivery
    In-Person and online
  • Languages
    Local regional language
  • Geography
    Mysore, Davangere, Gulbarga, Bidar and Belgaum (Karnataka) | Thiruvallur and Theni (Tamil Nadu) | Koraput and Puri (Odisha), Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh), Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) and Idukki (Kerala)

For Person With Mental Illness

PWMIs receive free psychiatric treatment, regular support group meets, access to government-aided schemes and rehabilitation.

For Carers & Family

Facilitation of regular support group meets, access to counseling, mental health awareness camps, training to enhance their caregiving abilities, enabling them to address their own health needs and empowering them to financially support their families

For Community

Community-based awareness programs, forming and training local district- and village-level groups for advocacy

Government Support

Key Stakeholders/ Organizations involved in the program

  • Psychiatrists 
  • Government frontline healthcare workers
  • Community-based organisations
  • District-level government authorities
  • Community

Since Launch In 2016

  • 16320
    Direct Beneficiaries
  • 27007
    Indirect Beneficiaries
  • 61
    Taluks identified in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh

Stories of Hope

Chandanna is 23 years old and hails from a lower middle-class family of 4 members. His struggle with mental illness began 6 years ago. He would often get into fights, have difficulty concentrating on his work, have disturbed sleeping patterns and experience auditory hallucinations. Chandanna’s mental illness took a toll on his family. His treatment would cost up to INR 3000 a month, which was a huge financial burden on them. Unfortunately, the nature of the situation caused his mother to experience depression and suicidal ideation. They were both identified under LLL’s program after which they started receiving free medication and treatment. The family was also given counselling and vocational training to support employment-related needs. Their complete rehabilitation and recovery were ensured free of cost through this program. It has brought about a positive change to his family’s situation. Chandanna’s mother now works as a community volunteer for the program.

Chandanna's Story

I am Jagu Sisa from Koraput. In the past, I have used traditional medicines and also believed in superstition for my treatment, but there was no improvement. Then, I was taken to the district hospital in Jeypore. As per the doctor’s advice, I continue to take my medicines. My mental health condition is now good and I am able to do day to day work. During the pandemic I was unable to collect my medicines, but the SPREAD team delivered my medicines home. I am grateful for all their help.

Jagu Sisa, Koraput - Orissa

Kenchamma developed symptoms of mental illness that included lack of appetite and disturbed sleep. Her family members believed this was due to evil spirits and God’s punishment. They visited temples but saw no improvement.

She was then admitted to a ward in the neighbouring district where the family spent heavily on treatment, medication, travel, etc. However, since they were unable to afford the medicines regularly, her symptoms reappeared.

In 2019, she attended a medical camp in her village and began receiving free treatment, medication.  Her parents are able to save money every month. Her condition is now stable, and she has started earning for herself by stitching clothes.  She also performs household chores, takes care of her aging parents and even helps her brother in his agricultural activities. 

Kenchamma’s Journey

Implementation Partners

Join our mailing list

Be a part of the change

Donate