Monday, December 27, 2010

20.11.2010 - SURVIVOR'S DAY


On November 20th,Maithri commemorated World Survivors Day at Vimalalayam College, Kacheripadi, Ernakulam as a day of consolation and ventilation for the bereaved. It was an event to provide an opportunity for the survivors to come together so as to share their feelings and concerns during their time of grief.

20.10.2010 – Training at St. Paul’s College

An awareness programme was conducted at St.Pauls College,Kalamassery as part of Maithri's outreach activities.

Topics related to adolescent problems and safeguarding mental health were explained to the students and teachers. Sociologist P. O. George led the sessions

Dr. John, a prominent psychiatrist, presented a overview on the “Realisation of Emotions”. The subsequent interactive sessions and group discussions were led by Maithri volunteers.

The classes benefited about 100 participants.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Snehapoorvam Kuttikalodoppam - 2009

Maithri was involved in the training of teachers from 102 schools in Ernakulam district, for the second phase of Snehapoorvam Kuttikalodoppam, a project for promoting mental health among students.

The trainings were held in three batches - for teachers from the four educational districts.

The trainings included group discussions, role plays and lectures. Handbook in Malayalam and a CD containing PowerPoint presentation were given as handouts to the participating teachers. In the next step of the program, teachers are expected to train students and parents in their respective schools.

The response from the teacher community to the training was very enthusiastic, and many of them had personal experiences from the class rooms motivating them to reach out and help the children in distress. Maithri wishes SK 2009 all the success, and hope that we can reach out to all the schools in the state, in near future.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Kcohi Rural Police to launch Suicide Prevention Drive

As reported in The Hindu on Oct 22, Kochi rural police have launched a Suicide Prevention drive.

The Lifeline number is 9544000100.

Maithri was involved in the training and setting up of the Police helpline.

It is Maithri's deep desire that each one of us play our part in lending a listening ear, and help bring down the number of suicides.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/21/stories/2009102159920300.htm

Friday, October 2, 2009

Work-Related Suicides Increase

Now this news from the U.S.

Suicides linked to employment increased by 28% between 2007 and 2008 — from 196 to 251 — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Most of these occurred in the workplace or while the individual was working; some occurred offsite or outside business hours but were known to be job-related. The demographics of work-related suicide in 2008 resembled that of earlier years. 94% of work-related suicides were committed by men, and 36% were committed by workers between the ages of 45 and 54 — more than any other age group.
- Courtesy The Daily Stat - Harvard Business Publishing

Source: Human Resource Executive Online

Friday, September 25, 2009

Space 09

Maithri participated in Space 09, a two day seminar conducted by the Department of Health and Social Welfare, Govt. of Kerala, on Sep 17 and 18. The aim of the seminar was to better understand the risk factors and to evolve strategic plans for effective intervention in the area of increasing suicides among adolescents and children. The two day seminar was organized jointly with UNICEF and NIMHANS, Bangalore involving stakeholders from departments of health, social welfare, education, local self government, media and NGOs.
As an NGO that has been working in the area of suicide prevention for the past 14 years, Maithri shared its experiences, especially with respect to the outreach programmes it has conducted among the school children of Ernakulam. Maithri's work, and its contributions to the deriving of the action plan, were appreciated by the organizers. We hope to continue working with the Government in realising the action plan on the ground.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Time of suicide

When do people commit suicide the most? For Maithri, this question has a relevance to its mode of functioning also. At present, Maithri works from 10 am to 7 pm. If suicidal thoughts are more in the night, Maithri needs to work longer hours. The only constraint at present is the number of volunteers. With the current volunteer strength, Maithri is unable to stretch itself further. More volunteers, longer working hours, reach out to more people.