The British Asian Trust is the preferred charity of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the organizations have signed a three-year strategic partnership.
The aim of the partnership is to use the voice and the reputation of the PCB and the Pakistani cricketers to fight the mental health crisis in Pakistan and lead to long-term changes in the country.
It was announced by Britain in May ahead of Pakistan’s Twenty2020 and One Day International, followed by the country’s participation in the 2019 Cricket Council World Championship in England and Wales.
A kick-off event will be held on April 25 at The Savoy in London, at the beginning of the Ramadan call for the British Asian Trust, which supports the organization’s psychosocial work in Pakistan.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization, more than 500 million people in Pakistan are affected by mental health problems.
However, there are fewer than 400 psychiatrists and 500 psychologists in the country to support them, and there is a widespread stigma in speaking openly about personal mental health and well-being.
The new partnership will educate people in Pakistan about the services they offer and help people with mental health problems.
It is also trying to encourage people to be open about their problems in the hope that more people will seek help.
As part of the partnership, Pakistan’s cricketers and staff are encouraged to learn more about the issue and to comment on it.
These include visits to local projects to inform about work in the country and to meet affected individuals and families.
#BritishAsianTrust is delighted to announce our new three-year strategic partnership with @TheRealPCB to transform #mentalhealth in #Pakistan. Read more here: https://t.co/0Pm3O2Ice2 pic.twitter.com/VOdhvmM4b9
— British Asian Trust (@britishasiantst) April 17, 2019
“We are very pleased to partner with the British Asian Trust for a pioneering partnership,” said PCB CEO Wasim Khan.
“Driven by our values, we believe that cricket plays a big role as a catalyst for change and as a force for good.
“The work of the British Asian Trust in Pakistan has made a big difference in supporting the mental health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable people.
“Mental health is still a taboo subject in Pakistan. I personally attended a mental health project in a poor neighborhood in Karachi. I have seen firsthand the difference that resources and experienced practitioners can make on the ground.
“As a PCB, we have the opportunity to do our part in raising awareness of this important issue.”
The British Asian Trust has been supporting mental health programs in Pakistan since 2011.
“We are very pleased to have found a partner in PCB who shares our commitment to tackle the mental health crisis in Pakistan,” said Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of the British Asian Trust.
“Since 2018, we have significantly increased psychiatric support in Pakistan.
“In addition to working with local partners to provide much-needed services, we have always recognized that lifting the silence on mental health and community building is key to long-term change.
“Cricket is part of the life blood of Pakistan.
“We are thrilled to have the potential to work with a highly credible institution and a top-class cricket team to promote awareness and stigma in mental health both in Pakistan and internationally.”
