Reflections on the SALT-CLCP Knowledge fair

[Kasthuri Divya]

The SALT-CLCP Knowledge fair took place in the first week of January 2025 in Chennai. The PIECEs research project's Chennai team and mental health service users of SCARF (I) met Avani team from Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Avani is a not-for-profit that helps children, women, and communities who face social and financial challenges to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. The knowledge fair was organized to showcase how Avani and the PIECEs India team used SALT-CLCP in their work, exchange learnings with each other, and explore ways to refine our practice.

The atmosphere in the event hall was busy. The PIECEs & the Avani team may have felt outnumbered, as the room was filled with service users (a welcome change), discussing what the event could be about. We shared, “it’s going to be all about you and your experiences with SALT,” their excitement grew.

The fair created a space where the service users became part of something bigger. It redefined the traditional hierarchies by placing mental health professionals (MHPs) and service users on the same plane, as participants in an event. A space where all of us had something relevant, meaningful and equal to bring to the table. However, language remained a significant barrier. While translation was available for service users who didn’t understand English, continuity in conversations still felt off, highlighting how language can divide professionals and patients. This was highlighted when a service user spoke about his relationship with his mother so emotionally, the translation could not do justice. 

The research team sharing their dream for the mental health community

The mental health service users share their dream for the future

On day one, we engaged in SALT conversations, not just as an icebreaker but as a way to refresh our practice and get to know each other. This allowed us to get to know the Avani team on a personal level. One particularly inspiring story was that of Anuradhaji, whose persistence and determination have shaped not only her life but also the lives of the children she rescues. She seems to grasp every opportunity that comes her way, with a clear vision of the big picture. It made me wonder, “what is my big picture? what kind of impact do I want my work to have?” 

Reflecting on this, I considered my own position, as someone raised in the city, a second-generation graduate, and an able-bodied woman with privileges that shape my perspective. Avani, on the other hand, works with some of the most underserved communities, where multiple vulnerabilities intersect, including extreme poverty and child labor in remote rural areas. Their approach is deeply intertwined in the lived realities of the people they work with.

A powerful example of community-led action came from Nandwal village, where local residents conducted their own research to understand why their village had high suicide rates. Often, we assume that people must first fully understand an issue before they can act on it. For instance, we believe that if people recognize mental illness as similar to physical illness or have more awareness about it, they will seek help sooner or not discriminate. However, the reality is more complex. Even when communities may not completely understand an issue, if it significantly affects their lives, and they feel some amount of ownership, they would find ways to make sense of it and act on it.

This made me wonder: How can we translate such community-driven efforts into our work with persons with lived experience of mental illness? Unlike Nandwal, where the community identified and acted on a shared concern, there is no existing community of persons with lived experience or caregivers that we can tap into. What can the government or non-profits do to address challenges that are deeply entrenched across an entire country? These questions remain unanswered. 

As we shared and discussed how SALT-CLCP has transformed lives, I found myself questioning: 

• How much of this transformation can be credited to the SALT-CLCP process?
• How much is due to the facilitators who guide the process?
• And most importantly, how much of the credit belongs to the individuals making the change themselves?

These questions lingered within me, as we listened to more stories of positive change emerging from the communities.

The participants respond to how SALT-CLCP has changed their perspectives

The SALT-CLCP Knowledge Fair was a space for reflection, learning, and inspiration. It reinforced the importance of creating platforms where service users are not just present but actively shape the conversation around their care. It also highlighted the ongoing challenges we face in involving the end user in conversations, particularly in bridging language and knowledge barriers.

As we move forward, the real challenge is not just in learning new or refining our methodologies but in ensuring that those most affected are the ones to lead the way in shaping solutions. As we remind ourselves that, creating change is not about introducing new methodologies, but about the people who bring them to life.

[Manira khanam]

Very nice blog. 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Powerful reflections, Kasthuri! Thank you. What do you think was contribution of SALT to the PIECES project? What did you start doing which you were not doing before?

[Kaushalya Sumedh Agre]

Very well written...!
This event demonstrates the power of collaborative learning and community engagement. Thank you Kasturiji...!