Rigel Foundation

Mind Over Matters

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:

  1. Psychologist Registration Form – To onboard professionals offering free services.
  2. Client Registration Form – Allowing individuals to seek psychological support.
  3. 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:
    1. Week 1: Focus on men’s mental health.
    2. Week 2: Recognizing women’s contributions and mental health struggles.
    3. Week 3: Raising awareness about the LGBTQ+ community.
    4. 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.

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