Association for Social Change Evolution and Transformation
 | |
| Abbreviation | ASCENT |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Purpose | Mental health awareness, training, advocacy, research |
| Headquarters | Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India |
Key people | Nithin Lalachan (Executive Director)
Dwitheeya Pathiramanna (Chairperson) Jimson E. R. Dr. Chinchu C. (Research Consultant) |
| Website | www |
ASCENT (Association for Social Change, Evolution, and Transformation) is a non-profit organization based in Kerala, India, dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, training, advocacy, and research. Comprising psychologists and researchers from various fields of social sciences, ASCENT aims to address mental health issues, develop training modules, and conduct research projects to foster social change.
Objectives and Activities
ASCENT's objectives include:
- Promoting mental health awareness
- Assisting in identifying signs of mental health conditions
- Developing training modules for mental health professionals
- Addressing treatment gaps in mental health care
- Engaging in disaster risk reduction and rehabilitation programs
- Conducting research projects in social sciences
- Providing sustainability and livelihood programs for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community
- Establishing research and training centers, academic programs, and counseling services
ASCENT has organized numerous workshops, webinars, and training programs, such as:
- A webinar on Consent: In and Beyond Sex on World Sexual Health Day 2023[1]
- A Translational Psychology Workshop in 2023[2]
- A panel discussion on the World Mental Health Report 2022 in collaboration with St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam[3]
- An 18-day Faculty Development Program on Mastering Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences in 2022[4]
ASCENT has also been involved in advocacy work, such as including registration facilities for Transgender and GSM communities in the International Film Festival of Kerala[5].
Members of ASCENT have translated the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) documents "The Declaration of Sexual Rights" and "The Declaration on Sexual Pleasure" into Malayalam, the primary language of Kerala. This contribution is officially recognized by WAS and mentioned on their website.[6][7]
Key People
- Nithin Lalachan - Executive Director
- Dwitheeya Pathiramanna - Chairperson
- Jimson E. R. - Executive Member
- Dr. Chinchu C. - Research Consultant
Key members of ASCENT have contributed to academic research, with publications in peer-reviewed journals[8][9].
References
- ^ "Building Positive Relationships: The Declarations on Sexual Rights and Sexual Pleasure". World Sexual Health Day. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Association for Social Change, Evolution, and Transformation (ASCENT)". MH Innovation Network. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Panel Discussion on World Mental Health Report 2022". St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "18 Days Faculty Development Program on Mastering Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences". St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Association for Social Change, Evolution, and Transformation (ASCENT)". MH Innovation Network. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "WAS Declaration on Sexual Pleasure". World Association for Sexual Health. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "WAS Declaration on Sexual Rights". World Association for Sexual Health. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ Chinchu, C. (2023). "Balancing Regulation and Autonomy: NCAHP Act and the Psychology Profession in India". Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 46 (4): 350–355. doi:10.1177/02537176231179920. PMC 11268281. PMID 39056041.
- ^ Chinchu, C. (2023). "Time for Action: A Case for Mental Health Advocacy in India". Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health. 10: 101–106. doi:10.1007/s40737-022-00306-3.