The alarming rise of Covid-19
does a great deal of damage to the mental health of individuals. At this
period, it is easy for anyone to feel disturbed, isolated, and live in fear.
Due to the restrictions of social distancing, direct assistance in this area is
not advised, therefore the best possible solution is tele-counselling. The XLRI
and alumni from Loyola School initiated the Hope Helpline Callers in
Jamshedpur, whose main objective is to support the government by making phone
calls to people who are in quarantine. The same service in collaboration with
state government has been initiated in Bengaluru, along with volunteers from the Department of
Social Work and Department of Psychology, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous),
Bengaluru.
A
helpline team was formed with all the students of 2nd MSW and
few volunteers from 3rd BSW, coordinated by Dr. Shari Tess
Mathew, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Social Work. On 16th July
2020, a training session on tele-counselling was organised for students. The
trained student volunteers-initiated telephone calls to people who are in
quarantine. Their psychosocial needs were assessed and suitable referrals were
made. Students took up this task, post their online class hours and made around
120 calls on the first day. In majority of the cases, people were doing well
and felt happy to have received such calls. Those individuals who reported
difficulties were provided adequate information on how to handle their issues.
Currently the project is in its beginning stage, within the next few weeks,
based on the assessed needs, the entire batch of 2nd MSW will
be actively involved in this project.
MESSAGE FROM THE COORDINATOR:
“Tele counselling services have gained importance in
the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. During this lockdown, quarantine and
social distancing, tele counselling services provide social workers an
opportunity to reach a large number
of people who are in need. I am glad that the students of Social Work
department at SJC are a part of this program, and are actively involved in
providing need-based psychosocial support during this pandemic.”Dr. Shari Tess Mathew
Dept. of Social Work.
MESSAGE FROM STUDENT VOLUNTEERS:
“The feeling of not being able to contribute as a social worker is
dreadful, and getting an opportunity such as this is really a gift. Being able
to coordinate and make calls to people to ensure their wellbeing is truly a
different and enriching experience.” Roopika Nair, 2nd MSW.
“This
was one of the most amazing experiences that led to a lot of learning in a matter of few hours. Thanks
for the opportunity” Nadiya P, 2nd MSW
“Tele
- counselling is a great way to reach out to people during such a crisis. It
provides necessary assistance and support to people and I feel privileged to be
a part of it. It makes me happy to know that I'm one call away for many out
there in need.” Kezia Nikita, 2nd MSW
“My first experience of tele counselling was an amazing
one. Being a social worker, specialising in medical and psychiatry and choosing
a career in it, I think this has helped me a lot in embracing the emerging
trends in this field. I am glad that I choose to do this and in the end, all
that matters is the self-satisfaction that I get from doing this. I thank the
department for giving me this opportunity and helping me grow.” Monica John, 2nd MSW
“It
was a really nice and new experience. I want to give my sincere gratitude to my
college and Hope Helpline Callers for providing me with this opportunity. I am
eagerly waiting to call many more people and provide them with the support and
joy of this world.” Anju Maria, 2nd MSW
“The experience was really
good as it was my first time doing such work. The people responded pretty well
and 2 people spoke for a longer duration and shared their experience after they
tested positive. I was really happy to contribute by talking to people. I am looking
forward to working and giving my best in this process.” Ashwini Umesh, 2nd MSW