Pune Startup The Full Circle Partners with Police to Address Mental Health in Vulnerable Groups
In a groundbreaking initiative, Pune police have joined forces with city-based mental health startup The Full Circle to tackle psychological challenges among vulnerable populations, including children in conflict with law and survivors of sexual violence. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing India's pervasive mental health crisis by reaching communities that traditionally lack access to professional care.
Transforming Police Stations into Mental Health Hubs
The Lashkar police station in Pune's Camp area has become the focal point of this innovative program. For the next six weeks, Marathi-speaking therapists, psychiatrists, and medical professionals will conduct intensive 90-minute workshops twice weekly. These sessions specifically target children who have encountered legal troubles, helping them manage aggression, anger, and emotional trauma through evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
"These children often face the law due to inadequate grooming or severe trauma that makes them difficult to handle," explains Nupoor Mohan, founder of The Full Circle. "Our approach focuses on calming these minors and empowering them with coping mechanisms to prevent recidivism. This initiative serves as a crucial stepping stone toward building a healthier, more resilient community."
Founder's Personal Journey Fuels Mission
Nupoor Mohan, an Indian School of Business alumnus and founder of Flexisales, launched The Full Circle after witnessing healthcare strains during the COVID-19 pandemic. With both parents being doctors, she observed firsthand the emotional toll on families, including delayed grieving processes and unclaimed hospital bodies.
A personal crisis further highlighted the scarcity of institutions dedicated to emotional well-being. "Whether facing financial stress, relationship issues, or bereavement, individuals need accessible support systems," Mohan emphasizes. "In India, where mental health remains stigmatized, we aim to create a trusted brand that connects people with experts who can guide them through life's challenges gracefully."
Bridging India's Mental Health Treatment Gap
The initiative addresses a critical national shortage in mental healthcare infrastructure. According to government data, 70% to 92% of individuals with mental disorders receive no proper treatment due to awareness gaps, social stigma, and professional shortages. The Indian Journal of Psychiatry reports merely 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, far below the WHO's recommended minimum of three per 100,000.
The Full Circle expands its reach beyond police collaborations, targeting multiple underserved sectors:
- Corporate Wellness: Responding to recent suicides in the corporate world, the startup partners with B2B companies to promote work-life balance and provide HR support during layoffs.
- Educational Institutions: Collaborating with schools hosting over 1,000 students to implement mental health workshops, parent counseling, and teacher training programs.
- Banking Sector: Working with financial institutes to deliver emotional and holistic wellness programs for employees.
Content-Driven Awareness Campaigns
A substantial portion of The Full Circle's resources is dedicated to content creation. A dedicated team of 20 professionals develops awareness materials, while a podcast channel features influential guests like politician Supriya Sule and corporate founders to normalize therapy discussions.
"Our primary vision is directing people to appropriate mental health resources," states Mohan. "When leaders openly discuss therapy, it gains broader social acceptance. Our next goal involves expanding these services through offline channels to reach even more communities."
This Pune-based initiative demonstrates how public-private partnerships can effectively address complex social issues, offering a replicable model for other Indian cities grappling with similar mental health challenges.
