Our Mission
In response to the critical need for accessible mental health support, Project AIM is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to providing individuals with complimentary access to professional psychiatrists. We recognize the profound impact of mental health on overall well-being and are committed to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can seek assistance without financial barriers.
Project Timeline & Development
Phase 1: Laying the Foundation
- February 5, 2024: A discussion on Mind over Matter initiated the core idea of Project AIM, outlining its vision and goals.
- February 12, 2024: A formal strategy session was conducted, focusing on marketing, database management, financial planning, field visits, and communication.
- February 12, 2024: Trinabh Paul joined the project to assist with graphics and editing.
- Key Team Appointments:
- Database Management Head: Debasmita
- Marketing & Communication Heads: Suraj Kumar Midya, Tapoja, Trinabh Paul (Marketing) and Aratika (Communication)
- Event Heads: Krish Khanna and Nirjhar Roy
Project Implementation & Execution
To facilitate mental health support, we developed three essential Google Forms:
- Psychologist Registration Form – To onboard professionals offering free services.
- Client Registration Form – Allowing individuals to seek psychological support.
- Feedback Form – For clients to share their experiences and help us improve.
Internship Batch-2: Pioneering Change
- Initiated with students from St. Xavier’s University, Newtown, Kolkata, making it the first-ever project of its kind by Rigel Foundation.
- Interns were assigned roles based on their expertise, forming dedicated teams for marketing, tech, and communication.
- Marketing & Social Media Impact:
- The team produced 10 daily awareness posts on mental health topics.
- Engaged with audiences nationwide, extending beyond Kolkata.
- Communication Outreach:
- Contacted over 100 psychologists across Kolkata.
- Secured 11 psychologists and 70+ clients.
- Conducted awareness drives in front of colleges.
Internship Batch-3: Expanding Awareness
- Collaborated with Khudiram Bose Central College to further expand the initiative.
- 4-Week Awareness Drive:
- Week 1: Focus on men’s mental health.
- Week 2: Recognizing women’s contributions and mental health struggles.
- Week 3: Raising awareness about the LGBTQ+ community.
- Week 4: Addressing mental health challenges across all age groups.
- Offline Engagements:
- Awareness drives conducted in orphanages and colleges.
- Engaged with 70+ children in Bowbazar, Kolkata.
- Distributed food packets, stationery, and educated children about mental health and good touch/bad touch.
Challenges & Learnings
- Resistance to Mental Health Awareness:
- Overcame challenges in communicating the importance of mental health to skeptical audiences.
- Gradual exposure and educational efforts improved acceptance.
- Resource & Fund Constraints:
- Difficulty in collecting donations for project sustainability.
- Need for structured fundraising strategies.
- Content Creation & Technical Issues:
- Interns, being first-year students, initially lacked experience but adapted and improved.
- Logistical Challenges:
- Tough weather conditions and long travel distances posed difficulties for field activities.
- Pre-planning and scheduling helped streamline efforts.
Current Progress & Future Goals
- Catered to 10+ clients seeking mental health support.
- 5 psychologists onboard, providing free consultations.
- Future plans include:
- Expanding partnerships with colleges, orphanages, and NGOs.
- Conducting paid seminars with renowned psychologists.
- Strengthening social media engagement to reach a wider audience.
Join Us in Breaking Barriers
Mental health should never be a privilege—it is a right. Through Project AIM, we strive to make mental health services accessible to all. Join us in spreading awareness, supporting those in need, and making a lasting impact. Together, we can break the stigma and empower individuals to seek help freely and fearlessly.