Five questions with citiesRISE
FIVE QUESTIONS WITH CITIESRISE
Orygen Global chats with Fredric Azariah from international organisation citiesRISE.
Can you describe what the innovative Families Game does?
‘Firpi Family’ is a board game developed by citiesRISE that is a family-based, play-centred mental wellbeing intervention designed for children aged 10–14 and their caregivers. Through simple, engaging gameplay and guided conversations, families spend intentional time together building communication, emotional awareness, empathy, reflection and problem-solving skills in ways that everyday life often does not allow.
Why is such a project important in India?
In many low- and middle-income country contexts, including India, children and adolescents face increasing emotional and social pressures while access to mental health support remains extremely limited. At the same time, families are one of the strongest protective factors for young people, yet many parents do not have accessible tools or opportunities to engage in conversations around emotions, wellbeing and mental health. The Families Game addresses this gap through a low-cost, scalable, and culturally relevant approach that integrates wellbeing into everyday family life rather than relying only on clinical systems.
What outcomes are you seeing?
We are seeing encouraging early signs of strong family engagement and sustained participation. Families are not only playing the games multiple times but also spending meaningful time together in reflection and discussion. Early observations suggest improved connectedness, a stronger sense of belonging and more open conversations within families, as well as reduced screen time. One exciting aspect is that the intervention is experienced not as a formal program, but as fun family activity.
What global initiatives and opportunities are exciting you in the youth mental health space?
What excites us most globally is the growing recognition that youth mental health cannot be addressed through clinical services alone. There is increasing momentum around prevention, early intervention, and community-driven approaches that centre schools, families, peers and lived experience. We are particularly encouraged by initiatives that use creative methods such as play, arts, storytelling and embodiment. There is also a stronger push toward evidence-informed but locally adaptable solutions, which is essential for meaningful impact across diverse global contexts.
What advice would you give other innovators who are starting up a new mental health program?
Start by deeply listening to the communities you want to serve. The most effective mental health innovations are often simple, practical and rooted in local realities rather than overly complex models. Build with young people and families, not just for them. Focus on trust, participation and adaptability, and be willing to learn and iterate continuously. Importantly, remember that mental wellbeing does not always have to begin in clinical spaces, it can begin through relationships, conversations, creativity and everyday moments of connection.