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Chris Underhill MBE, Founder Director of BasicNeeds has been elected as a Senior Ashoka Fellow - a prestigious honour for leading social entrepreneurs.

 This recognition marks the scale and impact of the work that Chris has achieved in the field of global mental health through the organisation he has founded: BasicNeeds. BasicNeeds is an international  development  charity  that  works  with  people  with  mental  health  issues  and epilepsy  in  developing  countries.  This  is  done  through  the  Model  for  Mental  Health  and Development  developed  by  Chris,  which  ensures  a  lasting  change  in  the  lives  of mentally  ill people around the world especially in developing countries.  

Jenny Prosser, Venture Manager at Ashoka UK on Chris' election observed: "Ashoka is always looking for the game changers who can make significant difference at a national and international level.   Chris  works  to  bring  individuals  with  mental  health  problems  to  work together  in  self  help  groups  and  determine  what  they  want  to  achieve  in  life,  be  it  to  go  to work, change things in their community, etc.  and then go about working with the individuals to make sure it happens.  For a group of people who normally are neglected by society, this is having a significant impact in changing the lives of those with mental disorders. We are very excited  that  Chris  has  been elected  as  Senior  Fellow  not  only  in  recognition  of his  work  at BasicNeeds but also as a future inspiration to the next generation of social entrepreneurs"

 Chris comments, "It is indeed an honour and a privilege to be elected as a Senior Ashoka Fellow. I am tremendously thankful to the Ashoka team for giving me this lifetime opportunity. I  am  thrilled  about  the  prospect  of  meeting  other  Ashoka  Fellows  who  are  leading  social entrepreneurs  in  their  respective  fields  and  I  look  forward  to  interacting  with  them  in  the future."