Suicide Counseling Hotline Launched In Philippines

Cases of suicide in the Philippines have been triggering major alarm because of its rampantly increasing rate over the past few months. Because of this, Jean Goulbourn, along with her Board of Trustees, founded the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), "a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing depression to light through the use of educational lectures, confidential crisis lines and referrals to partner psychologists."

Suicide Counseling Hotline (NoypiStuff File Photo)

NGF, which authored a Training Manual and Handbook for the Information and Crisis Intervention Centers (ICICs), has sought the aid of local carrier Globe Telecom to establish a "Hopeline" to reduce growing incidents of suicide because they said that although the media are swift to report about such incidents, many suicide cases in the country still remain concealed due to lack of information as well as due to the shame that goes with the act.

The telco is leveraging on technology intrinsic to its business to take some actions about the alarming cases of suicides in the country. This is according to Rob Nazal, the Head of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility,

"We want to drive public awareness on the availability of a Globe-provided hotline dedicated to assist and support callers in crisis due to depression or suicide issues as well as those who are not necessarily in immediate crisis but may need help to prevent it from occurring or escalating," Nazal said.

In their efforts to further launch a nationwide campaign of mental fitness and health, the NGF have partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) along with top schools such as University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College. They are currently working on partnering with several cities, civic organization and psychology clinics so that they can further our mission.

The hopeline for ICIC is 0917-588-HOPE (4673) and a toll-free number 2919 for Globe and TM subscribers has been operational since late March.