Newsletter (July – September 2022)
“We need to change the culture of this topic and make it ok to speak about mental health and suicide prevention”-Anonymous.
Sisters Living Works (SLW) held it’s 8th Annual Conference on International Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September, 2022. SLW visualises a suicide-free India, where each person is sensitized about the importance of mental health. We work together to educate on suicide through our workshops and consistently provide support and encouragement through support groups.
Conference 2022 Highlights!
We were fortunate to come together to talk about suicide prevention at our 8th annual conference on International Suicide Prevention Day.
Founder’s MessageMs. Gayatri Datta addressed the audience at the conference. She reminded us that as we recognise this day, we must dedicate ourselves toward suicide prevention. She highlighted some suicide related terminologies, warning signs and how to be a first responder.
Mr. Ashish Thakur spoke about the role of guilt and shame in suicidality. He also spoke about the essence of hope and what motivates us to persevere.
Dr. Harish Shetty shed light on the Post-Covid impact on mental health.
The conference’s theme, “Creating Hope Through Action,” was held in Mumbai’s M.M.P Shah College. The conference reflected the need for group effort to address suicide as an important public health issue. Dr. Harish Shetty, a Psychiatrist, Mr. Ashish Thakur, a Senior Psychologist at Mind Temple, Dr. Shubhangi Parkar, a Psychiatrist, Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, the founder of the Human Solidarity Foundation, and Ms. Mrinalini Kher, the co-founder of Yuva Parivartan, were among those who spoke at the conference.
The first panelists Ms. Nidhi Sharma, Ms. Suman Khanna, Ms. Madhura Koparkar, and Ms. Anupriya Das discussed how to care for one’s mental health in everyday life such as sleep, hygiene, self-talk, self-care, and toxic relationships. Other panelists like Mr. Ashish Thakur, Dr. Harish Shetty, Ms. Mrinalini Kher, and Ms. Gayatri Datta discussed suicide in the underprivileged community which was incredibly insightful. The discussion began by shedding light on factors that can define a marginalized community such as gender, race, socioeconomic status and disability. Also discussed were some factors that can put a person belonging to this community at risk, such as bullying, financial burden, living in an unsupportive environment, discrimination. There were more than 230 attendees including students and mental health professionals. Conference activities also included a Mime show and a dance performance.
Mr. Kunal’s mime act on mental health, as well as Ms. Rashika Sharma’s Bharatanatyam performance, were impressive and well received.
In addition SLW held competitions for students in the areas of script writing, filmmaking, and poster creation in commemoration of International Suicide Prevention Day. We received many entries, and the winners were recognized at the conference. Below are a few examples of the winning artwork.
Our other activities this quarter:
A glance at our support group and workshops!SLW’s primary goals are education and prevention. We are committed to raise awareness about suicide in India. We educated more than 700 people about suicide this quarter through workshops and training conducted at numerous colleges and institutions, such as AIESEC, Udayan Care Pan India, Sathaye College, HR College, The Plane Jar, Wilson College, SIES, and SNDT College. In addition to our on site training, workshops on positive mental health “Emotional Intelligence” was conducted by Mr. Matt Perelstein, an educationist from USA. Our support groups meet every Saturday to support each other through sharing experiences.
Conference and Workshop Feedback
The feedbacks help us improve and encourage us to work to the best of our abilities for such a sensitive cause. Here are some of the feedbacks received after the conference and workshops:
First Responder Training
We trained our First Batch of 18 volunteers as First Responders at M.M.P. Shah College, Matunga. The volunteers we trained to identify persons at risk of suicide and refer them for treatment or support services as appropriate. We meet this group twice a month to take regular updates to help people at risk.
Meet Our Team
Ms. Gayatri Datta (Founder SLW)
Ms. Meenakshi Nagwekar (Director)
Ms. Mahima Gupta (Program Co-ordinator)
Ms. Briliana Lopes (Training Manager)
Mr. Fabian Noel (Marketing Executive)
Upcoming events:
- 1st Oct’ 22 Saturday 4-5 pm Support Group- Importance of positive self-talk. (For all)
- 3rd Oct’ 22 Monday 3-4:30 pm Workshop- Suicide Prevention
- 10th Oct’22 Monday 5:00 pm Insta live- Theme: dealing with loneliness
- 14th Oct’ 22 Friday 4-6 pm Workshop- Suicide Prevention
- 15th Oct’ 22 Saturday 4-5 pm Support Group- Hope and Resilience in survivors.
- 28th Oct’ 22 Friday 4-6 pm Workshop- Suicide Prevention
- 29th Oct’ 22 Saturday 4-5 pm Support Group -Self-love and self-care (for survivors)
- 11th Nov’ 22 Friday 5pm-7 pm Workshop- Suicide Prevention
- 18th Nov’ 22 Friday 5pm-7 pm Workshop- Suicide Prevention
19th Nov’ 22 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
In 2022, our goal is to reach over 10,000 people across India!. You can also volunteer with us. Write to us or visit our website by clicking on below link:https://sisterslivingworks.org/support/volunteer/ We also need your financial support. Please make a donation in support of your work. Your contribution will make a difference on our efforts to save lives and bring hope to those impacted by suicide. We are, and shall continue to be grateful for your support.
INTERNATIONAL
SistersLivingWorks, 10132 Ashburton Lane, Bethesda,MD 20817
INDIA
Bank: Axis Bank
Account No:921020027649477
IFSC Code: UTIB0003773
You can scan the QR code below and donate to us through UPI in INDIA.
