The peer support is for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (eg, Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Learning disability, etc) to come together and discuss the struggles and experiences they face with like minded individuals. The support group is a space to share, listen and reflect.

The idea behind the group was to provide a safe space for people who experience an intellectual or developmental disabilities. We realized that there aren’t many resources available for such individuals which is why we felt the need to start this peer support. We felt that a peer support might be an avenue for people to be able to share their experience or simply find a space where others can talk about their struggles, and not be judged or pitied.

Neha Chaurasia, the facilitator for the support group is a counselling psychologist working with Adult Support Kendra at Yash Charitable Trust.

We started the peer support in October of 2024. It started very slow, but now it has picked up with the participates finding the space comfortable and trusting. Our intentions for the future is to increase the frequency of the group and be able to reach a wider range of individuals who are looking for this form of support.

This support group is for adults with Intellectual Disabilities (LD / Slow Learners) or Developmental Disabilities, including: Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder

We understand how heavy and overwhelming grief can feel, with emotional as well as physical symptoms, which can last for very long for some people. this support group is meant to allow people to express their feelings as well as share how they are navigating through the same (or struggling to).

We have a clinic with in-house therapists on a sliding scale of Rs.50 to Rs.750 depending on what the patient can afford. we practice healthy activity program as an intervention for depression, as well as psychodynamic therapy. we also have a list of referrals. our employees are also suicide prevention gatekeepers. you can find details of the same on the agatsu website.

Conversations around harm to others, violence are conversations we aren’t equipped to support. We do not have the resources to help people with severe mental health disorders within our organisation. However, for that reason we have created a list of vetted psychologists and organisations that work in that field.

Any interested members can register through our website. They can provide us with certain details like name, age and area. They also have to acknowledge the terms and conditions of the peer support post which a member of our staff calls them to explain the general protocols of the peer support. You can also register by dropping us a message on our number.

We start the session on time. The session is started with the general rules and protocols of the peer support, followed by an introduction of the facilitator. Participants can choose to disclose their name if they wish to, or they can choose to remain anonymous. We then get started into the topic of the meet. We ask starter questions or prompts that may help members contribute to the conversation. The session lasts for one hour.

The organization has a certain code of conduct which all participants must follow. Any conversations that preach or put down any particular religion or political party is strictly not allowed. We also make sure that members or aware that the peer support is not a replacement for therapy, but rather a space to share, talk and listen. The peer support is confidential and any personal details that anyone shares will not be disclosed outside of the meet.

We hope the participants find a safe space where they can talk about their experiences and struggles without any fear of judgement. We hope they take back a feeling of support.