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About Atmiyata East London
Atmiyata’ means shared compassion — empathy, closeness, and care.
Originally launched in India, this approach empowers local people to recognise signs of distress, listen with empathy, and connect others to support.
We are now adapting this model in Newham to reflect our borough’s diverse communities and lived experiences.
Our Approach
Atmiyata East London is a community-led programme that trains and supports local volunteers—known as community champions—to provide culturally appropriate, low-intensity mental health support. Inspired by the evidence-based Atmiyata model from India, the programme brings care into the community by focusing on active listening, practical support, problem-solving, and linking people with local services when needed.
Our approach recognises that emotional distress is often linked to social factors such as housing difficulties, financial pressures, discrimination or isolation. By strengthening existing community networks and empowering residents to support one another, we aim to prevent problems from escalating and ensure people receive help at the earliest possible stage.
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This programme is delivered collaboratively by Queen Mary University of London, Newham Community Project, Newham Council and East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT). Together with local residents, we will adapt the Atmiyata model so that it reflects the needs, strengths and cultures of communities in Newham.
Listening with Empathy
Offering one-to-one emotional support.
Connecting to Support
Linking people to local services and benefits.
Reducing Stigma
Encouraging open discussion about mental wellbeing.
Evidence and Impact
The Atmiyata model has been rigorously evaluated in India using a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial. The programme significantly reduced symptoms of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, improved quality of life and reduced disability among people receiving support from community champions.
Atmiyata has also shown that it can be scaled up and sustained in practice. In India it now covers six districts with a combined population of around ten million people and supports approximately 120,000 people each year.
Atmiyata East London is built on this evidence base. As a research project, we will evaluate how well the approach works in Newham, what adaptations are needed and how the model can best support local communities in the long term.
Learn more about Atmiyata
Atmiyata is an evidence-based community mental health model developed by the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy (CMHLP) in India and adapted in several regions internationally. You can read more about the model and its research background using the links below.
Project Timeline
2025 – Early 2026: Formative Phase
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Community workshops, interviews and asset mapping in Green Street
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Co-design of training materials
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Building partnerships and raising awareness
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Working with residents to understand needs and priorities
Spring 2026: First Champions Trained
Recruitment and training of the first group of 10 volunteer champions
Small pre-pilot to test materials and refine the approach
Autumn 2026: Wider Implementation & Evaluation
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Training around 50 additional champions
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Delivery of community-based support across Green Street
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Ongoing evaluation and continuous adaptation
Future Plans
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Use findings to apply for NIHR grant
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Evaluate effectiveness across East London
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Explore long-term sustainability with Council & ELFT
Why This Work Matters
In Newham, many people face barriers to seeking help for mental health concerns — from cultural stigma to long waiting times and financial stress.
By working through trusted community members, Atmiyata East London makes help easier to reach and more culturally sensitive.
Community-Based Support
Support is offered in familiar community spaces such as homes, local venues and neighbourhood meeting places. This makes help easier to access and ensures it is rooted in the strengths and everyday realities of the local area.
Culturally Sensitive Approach
Atmiyata champions reflect the cultural, faith and linguistic diversity of Newham. Their shared understanding of traditions, values and lived experiences helps to build trust and ensures that support feels respectful, relevant and inclusive.
Early Help and Prevention
By offering early, low-intensity support and signposting, champions help prevent challenges from escalating into crisis. This approach focuses on recognising difficulties early and strengthening resilience before problems worsen.
Empowered Volunteers
​Champions receive high-quality training, ongoing supervision and regular peer-learning opportunities. The role builds confidence, skills and leadership among volunteers, while strengthening relationships and mutual support within the community.
Meet the Atmiyata East London Team
We are a team of researchers, community workers and mental health specialists working together to adapt and deliver the Atmiyata model in East London. Each member of the team plays a key role in engaging communities, supporting volunteers and guiding the programme.
Funded by Barts Charity
Atmiyata East London is generously funded by Barts Charity, who support innovative projects that aim to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing across East London. Their investment enables us to test a community-led, culturally grounded approach to mental health that focuses on early help, prevention and strengthening local support networks.