24×7 ‘distress’ helpline launched in Gujarat

By NewsGram Staff Writer

To help the distressed and combat mental illness, Surat rural police launched a telephone helpline service- "Jeevan Astha"- on September 8, Tuesday. The number is 1800233330. The helpline will counsel individuals on mental illness. The police have hired eight qualified counselors to guide the caller.

The officials have also collaborated with psychologists and psychiatrists in Gandhinagar to help with the calls. Jeevan Aastha has been launched to help people who are struggling with issues like suicidal tendencies, stress, and anxieties and are trapped deep in mental illness.

The inaugural function was organized at the office of Surat range deputy inspector general (DIG) of police. The service was launched by V M Pargi, police commissioner in-charge, Surat city in the presence of Hasmukh Patel, DIG, Surat range, Pradeep Shejul, superintendent of police, Surat and other officials.

"We got good response even during the trial run. We will put posters of the helpline numbers at various locations," said Hasmukh Patel to TOI.

Students from schools and colleges rallied on the streets as part of an awareness drive and reaching out to people through this and making me them aware of the importance of counselors to help mental illness, stress and suicidal tendencies.

(Credit: thebetterindia.com)