PSD is collaborating with Sangath, an organization dedicated to improving mental health through comprehensive interventions, to research and implement sports-based initiatives aimed at preventing substance use among youth. Following extensive program design work, the first pilot was conducted in Goa, where the intervention was delivered by coaches and youth champions to adolescents aged 12-14 in a school-based sports setting. Insights gathered from this pilot phase are currently being analysed to further refine the intervention and to inform future implementation and evaluation efforts.
PSD is now partnering with Sangath to review and enhance the program curriculum based on pilot feedback, incorporating additional games and activities. The collaboration also includes plans for capacity building of Sangath's program staff to effectively integrate sport-based methodologies into upcoming cohorts of the MeWeSports program.