Community Care Nepal is driven by the belief that every individual, regardless of their physical or mental abilities, should have equal access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Aligned with Nepal’s national health priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project aims to contribute significantly to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Project Objectives and Vision

The primary objectives of Community Care Nepal are:

• To establish accessible community-based rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, helping them achieve physical, social, and economic independence.
• To expand mental health services through mobile outreach clinics, reaching remote and underserved areas where such services are often nonexistent.
• To foster social inclusion by promoting disability rights, mental health awareness, and equal opportunities in education and employment.
• To advocate for disability-friendly and mental health-inclusive policies, ensuring these services are sustainably integrated into Nepal’s national health and social protection frameworks.

Key Plans and Ideas

1. Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centers:
   • Establishing centers across rural and urban areas that offer comprehensive services such as physical therapy, vocational training, and social inclusion programs for people with disabilities.
   • Developing vocational training programs that equip individuals with disabilities with the skills needed for employment and financial independence, contributing to SDG 8.
   • Building awareness and training programs for families and caregivers, enabling communities to better support people with disabilities.
2. Mobile Mental Health Outreach Program:
   • Deploying mobile units staffed with mental health professionals to provide counseling, diagnosis, and treatment in remote areas where access to mental health services is limited or absent.
   • Training local health workers in mental health first aid and creating sustainable community support networks, allowing early detection and proactive management of mental health challenges.
   • Launching awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, encouraging people to seek help and integrate mental health care into everyday life.
3. Policy Advocacy and Government Partnerships:
   • Collaborating with the Nepalese government to integrate CBR and mental health services into national healthcare strategies, ensuring long-term sustainability through government funding and support.
   • Working with local municipalities to include disability-friendly infrastructure and mental health services in their development plans, making communities more accessible and inclusive.
4. Sustainability through Community Ownership:
   • Training local leaders, caregivers, and health workers to manage and operate Community Care Nepal centers, fostering community ownership of services.
   • Encouraging local entrepreneurial initiatives for people with disabilities, helping them establish businesses and integrate into the workforce.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Implementing a strong monitoring framework to continuously evaluate the impact and effectiveness of services.
   • Adjusting programs based on feedback and community needs to ensure that Community Care Nepal remains adaptable and impactful over time.

Long-Term Vision

The long-term vision of Community Care Nepal is to create a self-sustaining model of healthcare and social support that can be replicated across Nepal. By working closely with local communities, government bodies, and international partners, the project aims to build a future where people with disabilities and mental health conditions are empowered, included, and can lead dignified lives.

This initiative not only seeks to improve individual lives but also aims to drive systemic change, ensuring that Nepal’s healthcare and social systems are more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for generations to come.