Pune/Delhi, March 15, 2024: Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) has collaborated with SHB Social Foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative to lead a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about mental health through various platforms, including radio campaigns and social media outreach.
Mental health awareness has become an increasingly pressing issue that is affecting individuals across all genders and age groups. Recognising the need for accessible support services, this initiative seeks to make the ‘Listening Post’ free helpline number available to communities in multiple cities.
Through this campaign sponsored by TFCI, SHB Social Foundation aims to provide counseling services and encourage individuals to seek help when facing mental health challenges like anxiety, stress, depression, etc.
This initiative is timed especially during periods of high stress among students, notably during 10th & 12th class board exams and entrance exams for professional courses such as IIT and NEET. The campaign aims to offer support and guidance during this critical time by reaching out to cities with a high number of exam candidates. This initiative is also targeted across age group seeking motivation support.
SHB Social Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation based in Pune and has been at the forefront of promoting mental wellness. Their flagship programme, Listening Post, initially launched as a community initiative in 2014, has evolved into a nationwide telephonic helpline available daily between 4 pm to 8 pm. Trained volunteers offer a safe space for callers, providing guidance and support through active listening.
Commenting on the partnership, Anoop Bali, Whole Time Director and Chief Financial Officer, of TFCI said, "We are proud to collaborate with SHB Social Foundation to address the pressing issue of mental health awareness. Through this partnership, we aim to provide essential support to individuals in need and promote a culture of openness and understanding surrounding mental health challenges. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many."
Janaki Visvanath, Director SHB Social Foundation, said, “Mental health issues like anxiety, stress and loneliness are common yet often overlooked in today's society. Individuals, who are suffering due to this, do not get the attention they deserve. Prolonged isolation or depression can harm both mental and physical health. We must combat the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage seeking help when needed. We thank the Tourism Financial Corporation of India for their crucial support to us for this noble cause".
To access the ‘Listening Post’ helpline, individuals can call 93733 39162 between 4 pm to 8 pm any day.
The campaign aims to raise awareness regarding mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking help when needed. It will provide access to helpline numbers along with their operational timings for immediate assistance. Additionally, radio jockeys (RJs) will engage in discussions highlighting the significance of maintaining good mental health.
The campaign is set to span across various cities on specific dates, aiming to reach diverse communities with its message. Beginning from March 4 to March 9, the campaign kicked off in Delhi, followed by sessions in Lucknow from March 18 to March 23. Moving forward, the initiative will proceed to Kota from April 1 to April 6, Hyderabad from April 8 to April 13, and Chennai from April 15 to April 20.
Continuing its journey, the campaign will cover Mumbai from April 22 to April 27, Vizag from April 29 to May 4, Bangalore from May 13 to May 18, and Jaipur from May 27 to June 1. Furthermore, it will extend its reach to Coimbatore from June 3 to June 8, Nagpur from June 17 to June 22, Ahmedabad from July 1 to July 6, Kanpur from July 15 to July 20, Surat from July 29 to August 3, and conclude in Pune from August 12 to August 17.
