MITHRAM
www.maithrikochi.org
Bi-Monthly Newsletter
“Mithram is a Malayalam word for friend”
In this issue:
• SPECIAL EVENTS JANUARY
• SPECIAL EVENTS FEBRUARY
SPECIAL EVENTS JANUARY
1. 08.01.2010 -"Mail Today" (India Today Group)
telephonically interviewed director Rajesh
regarding suicides among youth, following a series
of suicides by young children in Mumbai. The need
for befriending and a counselor/befriender in all
schools was explained.
2. 22.01.2010 - News titled “Lending an ear”
published in Gulf daily- Times of Oman, detailing
a report regarding Maithri’s activities.
3. 24.01.2010 - Director interviewed by "True
Sabdam” magazine. Sasneham Maithri Project
was brought to public notice in their report.
4. 29.01.2010 - NBC (A broadcasting company in
South Korea) interviewed the director through
telephone regarding the high rate of suicide
among youth. Information was provided.
SPECIAL EVENTS FEBRUARY
1. 04.02.2010 - An awareness class “to handle
stress related with education” organised for
parents of Upper Primary students of Punnakkal
School, Elamakkara in Ernakulam.
2. 08.02.2010 & 09.02.2010 - Training programme
conducted for reducing examination stress among
SSLC students. 180 students were benefited by
the programme.
3. 14.02.2010 - All India Radio Kochi broadcasted a
panel discussion on “Is Love Stressful?” in
connection with ‘Valentine's Day’. Maithri
volunteers shared their views and experiences in
the discussion.
4. 11.02.2010 - Maithri volunteers attended regional
workshop of SPACE 2010 at Alappuzha. The
modules prepared by Maithri were distributed
among the participants.
5. 17.02.2010 - Maithri invited by Rotary club of
Cochin, Panampilly Nagar to take a class on
upbringing children. Dr. John led the session.
6. 18.02.2010 - Relaunched home visits as part of
the postvention programme. Two volunteers
visited a bereaved family in Kadavanthara.
7. 20.02.2010 - Director Rajesh inaugurated a course
on psychology conducted by Winners World
Foundation. The need for working for suicide
prevention and the role of Maithri was explained to
the participants.
8. 28.02.2010 - Maithri invited to conducted an
awareness programme on “how to keep the
relationships healthy?” by Narasimha Nagar
Residents association, Kadungallor in Ernakulam.
Copyright © Maithri, Kochi, For Private Circulation Only
Please contact maithrikochi@gmail.com for any clarifications on this newsletter
Jan-Feb 2010 / Issue # 3
ALWAYS REMEMBER
We stand united for the LONELY, DEPRESSED and SUICIDAL
callers. We forget all differences when coming to the need
of a caller.
22.1.2010 - “Lending an Ear”
The Gulf daily, Times of Oman, published an article titled
“Lending an Ear” detailing Maithri’s efforts in reducing suicides
in Kerala for the last 14 years. It highlighted on Maithri’s
services and activities in providing emotional support. The
article also made a special reference to our e-mail befriending
facility.
8.2.2010 & 9.2.2010–Training for reducing Exam Stress
A two-day training programme was conducted for reducing
examination stress among SSLC (Secondary School Leaving
Certificate) students at Elamakkara Government High School in
Ernakulam. The training was given to empower the students to
seek self-help during crisis. It also provided them with insights
on resolving tension through sharing and ventilation among peer
group. Around 180 students were benefitted by the programme.
18.2.2010 – Home Visit
As part of the postvention programme, Maithri has
relaunched home visits to families of the recently departed by
suicide. Two of our volunteers visited a bereaved family at
Kadavanthara in Ernakulam and offered emotional support. The
initiative served in getting in touch with the members of the
family during their time of grief, and helped them in ventilating
their feelings and concerns.
The home visit project has been introduced as a part of the
postvention programme in view of increasing evidence that
individuals with a family history of suicides are more vulnerable
to self-harm.
Our Ongoing Projects
• Sasneham Maithri - a project developed by Maithri for
sending consoling letters to the bereaved family.
• Lifeline - a helpline started by Police dept. or sent by
police officers, in association with Maithri.
• Maithri Institute for Research and Outreach (MIRO) -
an initiative by Maithri Foundation Trust to reach out to
the vulnerable sections of the population, and to generate
greater awareness regarding suicide.
• Snehapoorvam Kuttikalodoppam – a project developed
by Maithri in association with Childline for promoting
mental health among students.
DID YOU KNOW?
. Between 10% and 35% of people
who commit suicide leave behind a
note.