Mumbai, October 10, 2023: On World Mental Health Day, Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust led by Dr. Neerja Birla, has taken a step forward to address the alarming rise in suicide cases in India. In collaboration with the Mumbai Police, Mpower has introduced the Suicide Prevention Toolkit, a resource aimed at empowering individuals of all backgrounds to promote mental well-being and prevent the devastating consequences of suicide. Recent tragic deaths of young individuals in Kota, coupled with concerning data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on suicide cases across the nation, have prompted this crucial intervention. At the unveiling event today, Parveen Shaikh, Vice President of Operations at Mpower, and Mr. Satyanarayan, Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order Mumbai, jointly introduced 'HOPE' – the Suicide Prevention Toolkit.
While unveiling the toolkit, Satyanarayan Chaudhary (IPS), Joint Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, responsible for law and orderstated, “In a nation where the impact of suicide is deeply felt, this toolkit serves as a lifeline for our community. I am honored to be a part of its unveiling ceremony. More often than not, we are one of the first-line responders for suicide prevention, and this toolkit will undoubtedly help my team provide more meaningful support to the general public. The police, in collaboration with Mpower, are committed to driving awareness on suicide prevention and working with our stakeholders to reach out to as many as possible to make a real impact. Our shared intent is clear: to drive awareness about these vital resources. In a society where the need for support and understanding is paramount, this toolkit serves as an essential bridge of knowledge. It equips us all with valuable insights and the ability to support one another effectively. Together, we can create a network of hope, making a difference in the fight against suicide.'"
Adding her thoughts, Parveen Sheikh, Vice President – Operations of Mpower said, “At the core of Mpower’s vision lies a society free from the shackles of mental health stigma, where every individual is empowered to lead a fulfilling life with dignity and respect. Regrettably, suicide continues to be overlooked as a critical public health concern worldwide. Despite advancements in research and knowledge surrounding suicide prevention, the deeply entrenched taboos and stigmatization surrounding this issue persist, causing countless individuals to suffer in silence, deprived of the support they desperately need. The insights presented in this ‘Toolkit for Suicide Prevention’, serve as an empowering catalyst, urging all stakeholders, including our dedicated police force, to persist in their commendable efforts to prevent people from taking their lives.”
This toolkit provides essential knowledge and tools to raise mental health awareness and combat the stigma surrounding this critical issue.To mark World Mental Health Day, all 93 police stations in Mumbai have taken a proactive stance to raise awareness about mental well-being. They are displaying posters that encourage visitors to initiate conversations about mental health, seek help when needed, and challenge the stigma associated with it. The Suicide Prevention Toolkit will also be readily accessible at all 93 police stations in Mumbai, emphasizing the commitment to suicide prevention.Mumbai Police recognizes that they often serve as the first responders in suicide cases. Their involvement can be crucial in recognizing subtle signs. The team is actively engaged in promoting awareness about identifying signs and red flags for suicide among their colleagues and the general public. They utilize their experiences in daily work as valuable tools for intervention.
