Summary：**CCF and Chandigarh launch Project SAATHI, bringing hope for child mental wellness** *Introduction

**CCF and Chandigarh launch Project SAATHI, bringing hope for child mental wellness**

*Introduction*
The Chandigarh Child Foundation (CCF) teamed up with the Chandigarh administration on Monday to unveil Project SAATHI, a city‑wide initiative aimed at strengthening mental‑health support for children aged 6‑14. The launch event, held at the Sector 17 Community Centre, drew educators, pediatricians, and parents who voiced a shared concern: rising anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues among youngsters in the post‑pandemic era. Project SAATHI promises a coordinated response that blends school‑based counselling, community outreach, and digital resources to create a safety net for vulnerable youth.

*Key Developments*
Project SAATHI rests on three pillars. First, a cadre of 120 trained child‑psychology fellows will be stationed in government and private schools, offering weekly group sessions and one‑on‑one check‑ins. Second, a multilingual helpline and mobile app will provide immediate counselling tips and crisis referrals, accessible in Hindi, Punjabi, and English. Third, quarterly workshops for teachers and parents will focus on early‑warning signs, coping strategies, and stigma reduction. Funding comes from a mix of CSR contributions, a state grant of ₹4.2 crore, and technical support from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). Pilot data from a six‑month trial in 20 schools showed a 27 % drop in reported anxiety scores and a 15 % improvement in classroom attendance.

*Industry Analysis*
India’s child mental‑health ecosystem remains fragmented, with fewer than 0.5 psychologists per 100 000 children in many states, according to the 2023 National Mental Health Survey. Urban centres like Chandigarh benefit from better