*Abhijit Atre * 8 Jun 2011 *PUNE* : The number of calls to the suicide prevention helpline launched by CONNECTING, a Pune based non-government organisation, have gone up to 150 per month, up from 80 calls per month last year. The helpline which will complete three years on June 10 has so far provided counseling to as many as 3500 people. The helpline is managed by 35 skilled volunteers, each one dedicating three hours a week to answer the calls made to the helpline.
These volunteers undergo an intensive 45 hours training in 'mindfulness based active listening (MBAL)' which enables them to listen to callers with compassion and in an accepting and non-judgmental way. The volunteers speak English, Hindi and Marathi and have access to referral list of relevant mental health professionals and social organisations which could be recommended to the caller. The helpline operates between 2 pm and 8 pm and can be contacted on 9922001122 or on the toll free number 8002094353. The e-mail address is-- [email protected] . In a statement issued to press, the NGO has said that besides the helpline it also undertakes various programmes in schools, colleges and various other organisations to create awareness for prevention of suicide. As all these activities are volunteer driven, the NGO requires a large base of sensitive and committed individuals who are ready to undergo training in MBAL. Those interested can contact the NGO on phone at 020-26333044 between 2 pm and 8 pm. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-08/pune/29633440_1_helpline-ngo-volunteers -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
