Volunteering for the Hope Helpline Tele – Counselling Services

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 2^nd MSW and few volunteers from 3^rd BSW, coordinated by Dr. Shari Tess Mathew, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Social Work. On 16^th 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 2^nd 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, 2^nd 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, 2^nd 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, 2^nd 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, 2^nd 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, 2^nd 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, 2^nd MSW