What is SCARF?

Moving towards 25 years

ScarfSCARF is the acronym for the Schizophrenia Research Foundation, a non governmental, non profit organization in Chennai ( formerly Madras)  in south India  Founded in 1984 by a group of philanthropists and mental health professionals led by Dr. M.Sarada Menon, an  internationally known psychiatrist, SCARF has established itself as a center of repute in rehabilitation and research in disorders of the mind. . The present team led by the Director Dr.R.Thara is composed of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, rehab personnel, administrative and support staff.
SCARF is one of the very few NGOs in the world to be named as a Collaborating Centre of the World Health Organization ( WHO)  for Mental Health Research and Training.
SCARF is also the Indian co-ordinating site for the anti-stigma programme of the World Psychiatric Association.

Awards

In recognition of outstanding services for the welfare of the handicapped, SCARF received the "National Award to Outstanding Employer 1995" from the President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma on December 3, 1995 at New Delhi.

In 2001: SCARF received The Helen Keller Award instituted by the National Centre for the Promotion of Employment of Disabled People, New Delhi.  The award was received by Dr. R. Thara on 2nd December, 2001.

In 2006: SCARF is the only Indian organization to receive the Certificate of Excellence by the jury of Geneva Human Rights Association for the work done in the  protection and promotion of the rights of the mentally ill.

Objectives of SCARF

  • Research into biological,  social and psychological aspects of Schizophrenia.
  • Treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from Schizophrenia and prevention/ reduction of disability.
  • Community outreach programmes in urban slums and villages to offer treatment and improve awareness.
  • Educating the public about Schizophrenia, to create awareness and understanding,  to facilitate early detection, and to eliminate social stigmatisation.
  • Training programmes to various groups of workers on principles of detection and management of mental illnesses.
  • Lobbying  extensively with the Government and other apex bodies for programmes for the mentally disabled.

    • Various Units of SCARF

    The nucleus of SCARF’s activities is in the centre at Anna Nagar in Chennai. This 4 storeyed building houses:

    • Out patient clinic 
    • Day Care Center
    • Vocational units for men and women
    • Research wing with a computer cell
    • Training and Education center
    • Special services for women and elderly mentally disabled
    • Child Guidance Clinic
    • A residential facility for 35 persons
    • Auditorium 
    • Library
    • Administration and accounts

    People behind and at SCARF
    Board members

    President: Mr.V. T. Somasundaram
    Vice presidents : Mr. M. A. Vellodi, Mr. K. P. Mahalingam
    Founder & advisor: Dr. M. Sarada Menon
    Secretary: Dr. R.Thara
    Members: K. R. Baliga, C.K.Gariyali, C.Venuprasad, Vijay Nagaswami, Ponnammal Natarajan, LT Easwaran, Shiela Jayaprakash, K.Jayaraman, Venugopal


    Staff of SCARF

    Director : Dr. R. Thara

    Psychiatrists
    Dr. Shanta Kamath
    Dr. R. Padmavati
    Dr. Mubeen Taj
    Dr. R. Mangala

    Co-ordinators:
    Research:     Sujit John
    Community and rural programmes: Kotteswara Rao & J. R. Ayankaran
    Psychology: Dr. Anuradha

    Case Managers:
    Ms. Karpagavalli
    Ms. Subashini
    Ms. Sashikala

    At the VTC:
    Mr. Chitraikanni
    Ms. Renuka
    Mr. Raji

    Statistician: Albert Joseph

    Admin & accounts
    Mr. B. Raju
    Ms. Renuka
    Ms. Rajeswari
    Mr. Kugan
    Ms. Minoo
    Mr. Velayudham
    Mr. Palani
    Mr. Sairam

    Nursing staff
    Ms. Omana
    Ms. Vanaja

    At Bhavishya Bhavan

    Manager :Ms. Omana

    At BMMSK

    Manager: Mr. Sivakumar