WAY TO WELLNESS
A non-profit rehabilitation centre in South Bengaluru, managed by Tayyib Welfare Association, helping men and their families break free from alcohol and drug addiction.
WHO WE ARE
Way To Wellness is a non-profit rehabilitation centre run by Tayyib Welfare Association. Since opening our own centre in South Bengaluru in 2019, we have supported about 4,000 men on their way out of alcohol and drug addiction.
Our work with people affected by addiction began in 2016. For the first few years we did not have a centre of our own and partnered with similar centres in distant places. Seeing the problem grow and the difficulties of working at a distance, a group of like-minded well-wishers came together and, through their generous contributions, set up our own centre in South Bengaluru in 2019.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs is rising, and it hits the economically weaker sections of society hardest. Money meant for food goes to the addiction, and families pay the price through domestic violence, debt, broken homes and children whose future is put at risk. Drug use is starting younger too, with children as young as 10 beginning on mild substances and moving on to stronger ones.
We have the following vision:
To serve the destitute, widow, people effected by natural calamities, people suffering from substance addiction, educational aid, etc;
To establish, maintain, support or provide monetary assistance or any other assistance to medical centers of any kind or medical relief to deprived; and
To carry out such other activities which shall lead to development of a vigorous society.
Tayyib Welfare Association was set up to uplift the social and economic condition of the residents of Alahalli, off Kanakapura Road, and the surrounding areas, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Seeing how deeply addiction had affected the youth of the area, the Trust focused its efforts on people affected by substance addiction and set up Way To Wellness.
Our centre follows an approach of spiritual healing and counselling. Where a person is already under a psychiatrist's treatment when they join, that treatment continues until they begin responding to counselling and spiritual care. Any medicines a person was already taking for other conditions also continue as before. The first days are the hardest, and our trained staff support each person closely through this period.
Since opening our centre in 2019, we have supported about 4,000 people. Our success rate started at about 30% and has risen steadily to nearly 45% today.
Recovery is really measured after a person leaves us, in how they live their life afterwards. Many former residents stay in touch. Some come back with fruit and gifts for the men currently in treatment, share their story of life before and after recovery, and even spend weekends at the centre volunteering their time.
We have welcomed people from across Bengaluru, from other parts of Karnataka and from outside the state, mostly through word of mouth. The centre has been visited by spiritual leaders and public figures, who have praised the work, especially our approach to spiritual healing.
WHAT WE DO
Most of the people who come to us have been abandoned by their families, or their families cannot afford treatment. About 90% are from economically weaker sections. Here is how a stay at Way To Wellness works.
ENROLMENT
A person can come to us themselves, or a family member or guardian can approach us on their behalf. We currently admit men only. Addiction is rising among women too, and a women's centre is part of our plans for the future.
ADMISSION
Admission needs an application form, a guardian's declaration, medical history from a doctor and a copy of an ID card. Residents bring only their clothes and any regular medicines. Mobile phones and valuables are handed back to the family.
LIFE AT THE CENTRE
Residents stay on a full-board basis: three meals a day with no limit on food, cooked by experienced cooks in a clean kitchen, with toiletries and laundry provided. Each day follows a routine of learning, worship, physical exercise and rest. Clothing for those who have none comes from donors.
CARE AND SAFETY
Trained staff are on duty round the clock and prepared for emergencies, and the premises are monitored by CCTV. Seasonal illnesses are treated at a hospital close to the centre. Families can see their loved one once every 15 days.
LENGTH OF STAY
The first stay is 40 days. After that it is extended 30 days at a time, depending on progress. Very few people are ready to leave after 40 days, and some need several months.
DISCHARGE
When a resident is ready, discharge is completed with the family or guardian once the necessary paperwork is done.
AFTER TREATMENT
Recovery continues at home. We stay in touch with families after discharge, and many former residents come back to share their story and support the men currently in treatment.
AREA OF WORK
Way to Wellness operates primarily in the southern region of Bengaluru.
Through word of mouth, men affected by addiction come to us from across Karnataka and from outside the state, from all walks of life, regardless of caste, creed, religion or any other classification.
NOTE
Due to the sensitive nature of our work and to protect the privacy of our patients, we do not publish any images or videos of them on the website.
Feel free to book an appointment with us and come visit us to see the work we do instead.
TRANSPARENCY
About 90% of the people who come to us are from economically weaker sections, and their families cannot cover the cost of treatment. The centre is kept running by a small group of generous supporters.
All our finances are fully audited and transparent.
During the COVID-19 pandemic we kept caring for residents who could not return home, and delivered rations to families in the Kaglipura area with other NGOs.
WAY FORWARD
The need is growing faster than we can meet it. Today we turn people away because of limited space and funds. With your support we want to move to a larger centre, open a centre for women, offer a paid wing with enhanced facilities for families who can afford it (helping to fund care for those who cannot), and help others start similar centres. We are ready to share our experience and offer practical and moral support to anyone who wants to.
A rehab centre is only the beginning. Families, neighbourhoods and religious centres all have a part to play: strong families and attentive parenting, neighbourhood volunteers, guidance from religious leaders, no credit or loans that feed an addiction, reporting drug dealers to the police, and helping the children of people with addiction stay in school. We are glad to guide any community that wants to start.
CONTACT WAY TO WELLNESS
Uttari Road, Kaglipura, Kanakapura road, Bengaluru 560082
+91 7348973915, 7348973610