Kerala - Kochi   

Roadshow seeks to create awareness on suicide prevention

KOCHI: The World Suicide Prevention Day was observed here by Chaitram, a suicide prevention unit of the Ernakulam Karayogam, in association with the National Rural Health Mission by holding a roadshow in the city on Friday. A truck carrying posters against suicide with the theme of World Health Organisation for the year, “Many faces, Many Places: Suicide Prevention across the World” went around the city, stopping at various prominent junctions that included Menaka, High Court, Kaloor, Palarivattom, Vyttila and Thopumpady.

The truck was flagged off by P.N. Ravindran, judge, High Court, from the Ernakulam Karayogam office at TDM Hall. As the truck moved and stopped at various places, the voice over the microphone announced various indications in people that would help recognise a person thinking of suicide. There were tips to the layman in helping to prevent suicide.

Karayogam president L.N. Krishnankutty, secretary Ramachandran and vice-president Aravindakshan along with the volunteers of Chaitram participated in the function to flag off the truck.

Describing the functioning of Chaitram that can be reached at 4020160, V.J. Berly, director of the organisation, said that they get an average of 40 calls and a similar number of visits every month.

Besides, the organisation takes up outreach programmes in schools, orphanages and old-age homes on weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis.

Confidentiality is essential while working as a volunteer here. It is important for the callers or visitors to feel comfortable to talk to a person to confide their fears.

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