‘Walk for Life’ to bring Awareness on Suicide and its Prevention-A Suicide Lifeline Initiative
If Distressed Don’t Commit Suicide Instead Call Suicide Lifeline/Susheg Lifeline at (0824) 2983444 or if you need any information call: 7338201234
Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet, Dr Lavina Noronha- Trustee of Susheg Charitable Trust, also affiliated to Susheg Lifeline said, “Established under the aegis of Susheg Charitable Trust (Regd) with support from leading educational institutions like St. Agnes College, St. Aloysius College, Roshni Nilaya and a number of concerned citizens and philanthropists, the Suicide Lifeline became operational in Mangaluru in October 2017. Suicide prevention, promotion of mental health, creating awareness, training volunteers, sensitizing the community and publishing literature on mental wellness are the objectives of the lifeline. Twenty-five trained volunteers are attending to distress calls twenty-four hours a day seven days a week”.
She further said, “The Suicide Lifeline (0824) 2983444 has been a ray of hope for more than 60 callers since its inception. Our teams of facilitators have also addressed administrators, teachers and students in and around Mangaluru on topics related to mental health and well being. September 10th, 2018 is commemorated as World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme “Working together to Prevent Suicide”
Also speaking Ms Patsy Lobo from the Trust said, “The Suicide Lifeline has organized a ‘Walk for Life’ on this day to sensitize the community and to generate awareness on suicide and its prevention. The walk would commence from Light House Hill Road-Mangaluru in front of the main gate of St. Aloysius College at 7 am and culminates at Nehru Maidan (Football ground). Students from Colleges in and around Mangaluru, NGOs and concerned citizens will join the ‘Walk for Life’ holding placards. There will be a placard contest on suicide prevention for students and prizes will be awarded for the most creative and educative placards.
The Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, IAS will Flag off the Walkathon from Lighthouse Hill and Suicide survivors Ms Shilpa of Hallimane Rottis and Simon will release the balloons. The Commissioner of Police T. R. Suresh IPS will address the gathering at Nehru Maidan at around 8:30 am which will be followed by a short program on Suicide prevention for 10 minutes by PG Students from Roshni Nilaya. To spread awareness in the community, the automobile stickers issued in public interest by a generous donor and his team will be released by a philanthropist Abdul Rauf Puthige.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Dr Noronha said “Suicide prevention, promotion of mental health, creating awareness, training volunteers, sensitizing the community and publishing literature on mental wellness are the objectives of this lifeline. Twenty-five trained volunteers are attending to distress calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Suicide Lifeline (0824) 2983444 has been a ray of hope for more than 60 callers since its inception. Not only we are getting calls from in and around Mangaluru, from India, but also from abroad, like Gulf Countries, Philippines etc Our teams of facilitators have also addressed administrators, teachers and students in and around Mangaluru on topics related to mental health and well-being.”
Dr Derick Lobo and Brian Fernandes, associated with the Trust were also present during the press meet.