Bringing people on the brink back to life

KOCHI: Maithri, a non-government organisation, which has been functioning in the field of suicide prevention since 1995, celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.

�In the last 15 years, about 25,000 people have availed of its services. This includes people belonging to all age groups, different professions and socio-economic status, says C.J. John, chief psychiatrist at the Medical Trust Hospital and a board member of the Maithri Foundation Trust, in a communication issued to propagate the ideals of the organisation.

Listening to ones woes empathetically often helps to bring back people to life. But in the modern day when time is the most valuable commodity its not that easy to find many listeners around. �Thats where we come in. Our volunteers turn caring and empathetic listeners. Naturally, people confessing to suicidal tendencies dont like to reveal their identities. That our service can be availed of over phone and even through emails do help evoke confidence,� says Rajesh R. Pillai, director of Maithri.