Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Lepra highlights emotional impact of its ‘Mind to Heart’ project

Documentary photographer Tom Bradley revisited Lepra’s ‘Mind to Heart’ project in Bangladesh

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Lepra highlights emotional impact of its ‘Mind to Heart’ project

Firoza (right) with her counsellor Rupali

TO MARK Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, documentary photographer Tom Bradley revisited Lepra’s ‘Mind to Heart’ project in Bangladesh, a lifeline in restoring the positive wellbeing of people affected by leprosy.

For the past six years, Tom Bradley and leading leprologist Professor Diana Lockwood have collaborated on The New Face for Leprosy project. Aiming to dispel the myths surrounding the curable disease and challenge negative stereotypes, the project captures positive and empowering images which help to change our collective understanding of this often misrepresented disease.


The portraits and stories from India and Bangladesh have since been exhibited at venues across the UK, including Westminster Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, during Lepra’s centenary year in 2024.

In March, Tom returned to the small city of Bogura in Bangladesh, where Lepra’s Mind to Heart project is transforming the lives of vulnerable people.

At its heart is the belief that alongside treating the physical symptoms of leprosy, it is essential to address the emotional scars left by discrimination, fear and isolation.

In rural communities where access to formal mental healthcare services remains extremely limited, Mind to Heart provides a critical bridge to support.

As many as one in two people diagnosed with leprosy will experience significant mental health concerns. Positive mental health is crucial for people’s recovery; as such, Lepra provides professional counselling sessions for people affected by leprosy and their families.

Trained community volunteers provide ongoing support and guidance, visiting people in their homes, listening without judgement, and offering practical strategies to rebuild confidence and resilience. Many of Lepra’s volunteers have recovered from leprosy themselves.

Since 2023, over one hundred people affected by leprosy have received professional counselling, and an average of 1,200 house visits are made annually by community volunteers, providing ongoing encouragement and personalised care. An overwhelming 98 per cent of participants who engaged with Mind to Heart’s mental health support reported tangible improvements in their emotional wellbeing.

Photographer Tom Bradley (centre), Professor Diana Lockwood (right) and the Lepra Bangladesh team in Bogura

Understanding and empathy

Firoza, from Bogura in Bangladesh, is featured in the latest iteration of the New Face for Leprosy project.

When Firoza was diagnosed with leprosy, her husband divorced her. She was depressed and suicidal, but through Lepra’s Mind to Heart project, she has found a vital line of support which has helped her gradually regain her confidence and improve her emotional wellbeing.

“I didn’t want to live with this sort of pain. People gossiped behind my back. I also felt bad for myself because of the worsening leprosy – it was difficult to do daily tasks. I didn’t eat or wash properly, or do any kind of work.”

Firoza’s turning point came when she was referred for counselling, followed by support from a Mental Motivator – a community volunteer with mental health training. Rupali has recovered from leprosy herself and shows great compassion for the people she supports. Over the past eight years, Rupali has visited Firoza two to three times a month.

“It helps to have someone to listen. These days I’m feeling better and more motivated.”

Watch an exclusive interview with Tom Bradley and hear about his experiences in Bangladesh and the New Faces for Leprosy exhibition: https://bit.ly/4jSY7lt

More For You

How to Make the Most of a Physician Assistant Internship

How to Make the Most of a Physician Assistant Internship

A physician assistant (PA) internship isn't just another step in your education; it's a pivotal moment that can define your future in medicine. This is where you can seamlessly connect classroom theory with real-world practice, sharpen your clinical expertise, and develop your professional identity.

But to truly make the most of this experience, simply showing up isn't enough. Here's how to approach your internship with purpose and intention.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voice-Activated Casino Logins: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

Voice-Activated Casino Logins: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

The gambling industry has always been quick to embrace new technology, from the first slot machines to today's live dealer streams. Now, voice-activated casino logins are making waves across the sector. Platforms like Fortunica are exploring how voice recognition might revolutionise player authentication, but the question remains: is this innovation genuinely transformative or simply the latest tech trend?

Voice technology has become increasingly sophisticated, with smart speakers and voice assistants now commonplace in millions of homes. The gambling industry's interest in this technology stems from its potential to streamline user experience while enhancing security measures.

Keep ReadingShow less
Profee Empowers Asian Migrants with Smart Finance Tools

Profee Empowers Asian Migrants with Smart Finance Tools

Learn how Profee supports Asian migrants with smart, secure tools for sending money and managing finances across borders. Trusted. Fast. Built for Migrants.

Asian migrants deserve a fast, secure, and cost-effective cross-border financial solution. Profee is a migrant-friendly money app that stands out among apps for sending money internationally.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Importance of Checking the Paytable Before Playing Slots Online

The Importance of Checking the Paytable Before Playing Slots Online

The world of online gambling has seen a remarkable rise over the past few years, offering players an engaging and convenient way to enjoy their favorite games, such as slots, from the comfort of their own homes. Within this realm, understanding the paytable is essential for any player aiming to maximize their enjoyment and potential returns. A free spins bonus is often one of the enticing features that can catch a player's eye, but the paytable remains the unsung hero of strategic gameplay.

Introduction

As online gambling continues to grow, understanding how to make informed choices becomes crucial. One critical tool in a player's arsenal is the paytable, a component often overlooked by new and seasoned gamblers alike. The paytable provides a comprehensive overview of a slot game's specific mechanics, offering insights into winning combinations, payouts, and bonus features. Mastery of the paytable can significantly influence a player’s strategy and outcomes, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Keep ReadingShow less
How do traditional gamblers feel about online slot machines?
https://www.istockphoto.com

How do traditional gamblers feel about online slot machines?

Long-time casino patrons provide a variety of different opinions when asked about online slot machines. Some light up when talking about the convenience, while others give you a dismissive look as if you've insulted their top table dealer.

The physical pull of a casino

Several gamblers still prefer the experience of playing in a casino. They enjoy hearing coins clinking together and touching the button panel, as well as the unmistakable casino aroma that combines the scents of freshly cleaned carpet and subtle cologne with anticipation. It’s not just about the games. It’s about the ritual. The outing to the venue includes grabbing a drink and talking to regular patrons, along with possibly tipping the slot attendant. Together, these elements create an experience that feels solid and real.

Keep ReadingShow less