SNEHA was started with the mission of extending unconditional support, warmth and understanding to people who are in crisis. In the stress- filled life, people have the need to talk to someone. Some problems are such that they are better off being told to a third person rather than to any of their own friends and relatives. The timely support given at the critical hour makes suicide prevention a possibility. Therefore, listening with CARE used as an acronym for- Confidentiality, Acceptance, Respect and Empathy forms the basis of the vision of SNEHA.
It is important …show more content…
The volunteers however need to be 20 years or above, a resident of Chennai, with knowledge in Tamil and English and the commitment of being able to spend 4 hours per week continuously at the Sneha centre. The volunteers are trained before they enter the field and they reflect the qualities of warmth =, acceptance and understanding. Some of the skills that the volunteers gain through the process of helping is listening with care, warmth, understanding and unconditional acceptance.
The role of mental health professional is important and crucial in a suicide prevention centre. The most important skill that mental health professionals in a suicide prevention set up is the correct assessment of individuals who are depressed and those who can go onto committing a suicide. The signs of suicide need to be tapped correctly, so as to provide the right interventions if any needed at the right time. It is important for these professionals to not become biased because of the various myths and fiction surrounding suicide. Once the signs and risks of suicide are identified the immediate support that a professional could offer is care and support by listening to the client. Offering to listen to the client lets the clients feel that there is a space where they can unburden their feelings and not be ridiculed or shunned away for their …show more content…
Therefore there is a high need for counsellors and counselling psychologists to intervene and help the individuals under stress in a non-injurious ways. The importance of assessment of individuals who are suicidal and those who attempt suicide is very critical to prevent the suicide. One must however also keep in mind that all suicides cannot be prevented. Nevertheless suicide which is a cry for help has to be listened to without making any judgements about the