In light on the Covid-19 pandemic, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thawar Chand Gehlot, will virtually launch a toll-free mental health rehabilitation helpline number ‘Kiran’ on August 27.
The helpline (1800-599-0019), developed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment along with its partners, will offer mental health rehabilitation services and aims to provide support for early screening, first-aid, psychological support, distress management, mental wellbeing, preventing deviant behaviours, psychological crisis management, among others.
As per the Ministry, ‘Kiran’ targets to resolve issues of people across the country experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, panic attack, adjustment disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, pandemic induced psychological issues, and mental health emergency.
The helpline will be supported by 660 volunteers clinical/rehabilitation psychologists and 668 volunteer psychiatrists, along with 75 experts at 25 helpline centres who will have the capacity of handling 300 clients per hour. It will offer support in 13 languages for any individual, family, NGO, parent associations, professional associations, rehabilitation institutes, hospitals or anyone in need of support across the country.
