Helpline service for mental health issues launched
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 11 2021: On the occasion of World Mental Health day, a mental health helpline service called 'Talking Birds' with helpline number +919362894599 was launched by Reckitt's Durex led The Birds and Bees Talk programme.

It was launched during a webinar hosted by Reckitt (global leader in consumer-healthcare) and Plan India focusing on the relevance and importance of mental health for adolescents and the impact of Covid-19.The event was observed in the North Eastern states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur and Mizoram.

According to a release, adolescents were involved in the webinar as this stage is a time of exploration and developing identity, or a sense of self.

The helpline number will provide services to address common stressors with counselling sessions, clarification of general doubts and queries related to psychosocial support.

The service will be made available under the guidance of mental health practitioner Nitu Sanasam, who is also working with Ya_All organisation.

Nitu previously had associated with the organisation and has led psychosocial support team, spearheading tele-counselling during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, it said.

The webinar was chaired by guest speakers including directorate of Education assistant director Leishangthem Kamala, child protection officer of Social Welfare Department Mala Lisham and Sikkim's Singtam District Hospital psychiatrist Dr Satish Rasaily.

Kamala expressed her happiness on launching of the service and said she will ensure the helpline number is circulated within school networks as this would act as a safe space for adolescents to clear their doubts and speak their mind out.

"If they are given proper counselling, they will have a brighter future.

We will support this programme in all our capacity and ensure smooth functioning," she said.

Mention may be made that Plan India is a nationally registered non-profit organisation striving to advance children's rights and equality for girls, thus creating a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable and excluded children and their communities.

Plan India is a member of the Plan International Federation, an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children's rights and equality for girls.

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