more-in Aruna (name changed), in her sixties, displays her creative ability by turning popsicle sticks into flower baskets. Like her, Radha (name changed) neatly puts together pieces of cloth to create flowers for the basket. They are among a group of 25 women patients, who have learned the art of making crafts at one of the Industrial Therapy Centres (ITC) of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Over the years, the women have been taught to make an array of crafts ranging from jute bags, soft toys and wire baskets to cell phone pouches and paintings. These products are being sold at a stall at the outpatient department of IMH. Starting Wednesday, some of these products would be showcased at a stall at an exhibition in Kuralagam. The products on display included flower baskets, photo frames (embossed painting), wire baskets, jute bags and purses, jute files and table mats made out of wool, said a social welfare officer of IMH. These products are being showcased at the ‘golu’ dolls exhibition-cum-sale organised by the Tamil Nadu Khadi and Village Industries Board that would go on till October 31. Mainstreaming patients “One of our women patients will be at the stall along with us from Thursday. The aim is to provide an occupation for our patients and help in mainstreaming them. This will also help in doing away with the stigma associated with mental illness,” the officer said. She pointed out that the patients take up the work at the ITC with sincerity. The cost of the products range from ?70 to ?700. “Through the ITC, we are able to motivate the patients and improve their self-esteem. This will help us in their re-integration into the community,” a senior doctor of IMH said.

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