The partnership aspect is very important, we have determined to work through local voluntary groups; addressing needs identified by those groups in 2 or 3 village areas. In that collaboration we have agreed some basic principles by which we work;

• To be non-judgemental, allowing decisions to be made by the people not imposed by us;
• Assistance to be available to all irrespective of religion, caste etc.;
• To work through trusted local groups and individuals;
• To apply funds raised directly to meet identified needs in these areas.

The main needs we have focussed on have been:-

• Housing; providing new roofs and general repairs to make safe, watertight homes that in turn    will reduce illness and poverty by enabling people to work.
• Employment; providing support to 3 embroidery workshops and many small job creation    ventures.
• General Welfare; helping to meet costs of medicines and food for families in need.
• Special building projects have included a home for destitute elderly people, 2 sets of school    rooms (new small schools), a community hall and a jointly funded shrine used as a place of    worship by Catholics and Hindus.
• Chilla; a project providing home and loving care to the children of sex workers (prostitutes).
• 3 projects have been run with the Kerala State Mental Health Authority: establishment of the     first community based rehab centre (which the Government then took over); funding for a     suicide reduction programme, and a micro-credit scheme for ex-heroin addicts.