Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Stigma
Empowering Nepal's most vulnerable populations through mental health care, economic opportunities, and community leadership.
LEADS Nepal-At a Glance
Our Approach
Imagine enduring extreme poverty or discrimination in a remote rural area while suffering from mental illness, or caring for someone who does. This is the harsh reality for many individuals, and LEADS is taking significant steps to change it.
Our APPROACH is holistic, addressing every aspect of their lives to transform living conditions and create lasting, meaningful change that empowers them for the future.
Our Programs
MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE and SERVICE IMPROVEMENT
We organize mental health camps with psychiatrists for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, while fostering coordination among stakeholders in mental health to enhance services.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TO REDUCE STIGMA
We help patients and carers understand and manage mental illness and organize awareness campaigns and workshops to
reduce stigma surrounding it.
SUPPORT FOR CARERS and VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS
We assist carers, Dalit families, single women, and those in extreme poverty in accessing resources, support, and empowerment opportunities.
EMPOWERING THROUGH SKILLS AND TRAINING
We provide vocational training in areas like poultry farming,
vegetable production and handicrafts, alongside specialized training for staff and carers to strengthen their skills.
COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES
We build mutual aid networks, starting with carers' self-help
groups that form clusters and expand into associations and cooperatives, driving sustainable change and independence.
LIVELIHOOD AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
We promote financial independence for people with mental illness and carers through income-generating activities, fostering empowerment, stability, and long-term economic security.
Our Story
FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE: THE ORIGIN OF LEADS
In 2004, during the conflict between Maoist insurgents and the Nepali government, Padam Shrestha saw the heartbreaking effects of poverty and mental illness on a family. The parents, overwhelmed by severe depression, were frozen by fear and unable to leave their small, dark living space, where they were living in terrible conditions. Meanwhile, their daughters, just 15 and 17 years old, were forced into prostitution to support the family. Padam stepped in to help them escape this desperate situation, but the war brought more tragedy, taking the lives of both parents and one of their sons. This painful experience motivated Padam to start LEADS in 2010, an organization focused on reducing the suffering caused by mental illness and poverty.
Our Team
Dr.Padam Shrestha
Founder and Executive Director
Padam has led LEADS since its founding in 2010, driving strategic planning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement. He previously collaborated with development agencies like DFID and UNFPA, overseeing impactful health and community projects. His leadership ensures effective operations and long-term sustainability.
Mona Bhandari
Administration and Finance Manager
Mona leads LEADS Nepal’s accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting, ensuring strong compliance,transparency, and accuracy. She oversees internal controls, audits, and statutory requirements while strengthening financial systems for efficient programme delivery. Working closely with project teams and cooperatives, she ensures responsible resource allocation, timely monitoring, and adherence to donor guidelines. Her expertise safeguards LEADS’ financial integrity and supports effective use of funds.
Sadhana Dhakal
Gender and Women Entrepreneurship Officer
Sadhana leads gender-inclusive strategies at LEADS, coordinating programs in mental and reproductive health, and training health volunteers. Previously with TPO Nepal, she has advanced advocacy and policies that empower women entrepreneurs and promote equitable systems.
Nisha GC Mahat
Programme Coordinator
Nisha facilitates the growth and strengthening of Carers’ Associations and women-led Carers Cooperatives, supporting them to practice self-governance, transparent management, and sustainable enterprise development. She oversees programme implementation across districts and ensures cooperatives and networks are effectively mobilised, trained, and represented. Nisha also coordinates closely with local government offices and municipalities to secure technical support, recognition, and resources for carers. Through these partnerships and district-level advocacy, she amplifies carers’ voices in policy discussions and promotes their rights, dignity, and economic empowerment.
Veronica Gurung
Training and Communication Officer
Veronica Gurung plays a vital role in strengthening community engagement and ensuring effective communication across LEADS Nepal’s programmes. She collaborates closely with project teams and Carers’ Cooperatives to plan, coordinate, and document field activities while facilitating smooth communication between communities and donors. Veronica captures and curates photos and videos, and prepares clear reports and communication materials.
Our Granting Organization
Past Granting Organizations
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Together, we have the power to create a future where mental health is prioritized, poverty is conquered, and every individual has access to the care and opportunities they deserve.
Join us in making a lasting impact! Your involvement will help empower individuals to thrive with dignity, hope, and a renewed sense of possibility.
+977-61-580943
Pokhara Metropolitancity-3
info@leadsnp.org