Why Nest  began

Nest began out of concern for a forgotten group of women in 1984, and in 1987 Nest became a recognised community based, mental health organisation. The women were found incarcerated in Unit 2 of Mulleriyawa Mental Hospital.  A measure of Nest’s success is the improvement in the lives of the women and there are a number of parties now engaged in the exercise. From over 1000 women in 1984 there are 690 women in psychiatric care at Unit 2 today. The most significant improvement is of course the change in level of respect given to the people concerned. That transformation, remarkable though it is, has not as yet led to anything near an acceptable standard being reached. With the expansion of Nest’s focus, other forgotten and marginalized groups have benefited.  People infected with HIV and AIDS or considered at high risk of contracting the virus are an example.

The plight of children incarcerated in ‘Certified Schools’, after coming before the courts, is similarly better recognized and addressed today.  Relieving and supporting families plagued with isolation, violence, neglect, alcohol and substance abuse have long been part of Nest’s work. This work began long before many others were even aware of the discrimination that such families and children suffer. Nest always moves in to where needs are least adequately addressed.   Nest is registered as a non-profit making company, registered with the Ministry of Social Services, and gazetted by Act of Parliament as a “charity”.