Sunday Times 2
Raising awareness of suicide prevention helplines
View(s):Richardson Holdings, founded in 1962 and delivering high-quality electrical engineering, infrastructure, and advertising solutions, has launched a project to raise awareness of the available help for those struggling with suicide. Richardson worked with the National Institute of Mental Health, CCC, Lanka Life Line, and Sumithrayo to increase awareness. The communications redirected calls to these organisations, which have trained personnel.
The campaign was published across Colombo, on bus shelters, digital gantries, street name boards, and billboards, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day.
The National Institute of Mental Health reported that 24,430 individuals called the helpline in October up from 5,890 in September. CCC Line saw a 14% increase in callers from August to September and a 16% increase from September to October. Lanka Life Line had double the number of calls after the campaign. The number of calls increased three times from 10pm to 7am.
“The data clearly demonstrates the campaign’s effectiveness in reaching individuals in need. The substantial increase in calls, particularly during late-night hours, suggests that the campaign successfully addressed a critical time when individuals are most vulnerable,” said Nazri Nizar, Group Managing Director of Richardson.
Tusita Kumarakulasingham from CCC Line noted, “CCC Line – 1333 is thrilled to see this results of the campaign to raise awareness about the support available to Sri Lankans during challenging times. CCC Line has been a lifeline for many across the country, providing critical assistance to those who felt hopeless and helping them rediscover a sense of purpose. As a crisis support line staffed by trained counsellors following the LifeLine New Zealand model, CCC Line operates 24/7 in all three languages, offering toll-free assistance to those in need.”
Ranil Tillekaratna from Lanka Life Line expressed his gratitude: “Mental health and suicide awareness are greatly needed in the country.”