Newsletter July-September 2023

“To anyone out there who’s hurting – it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength”

-Barack Obama

Note for readers by Gayatri Datta (Founder- Sisters Living Works)

Greetings readers, we welcome you to our 2023 quarterly newsletter. We are grateful for your continuous support, which has enabled us to embark on this year’s remarkable journey. Together, we have accomplished our goals that has changed the lives of many. We are moving forward with the torch of hope in hand, seeking not only to put a stop to suicide and stigma but also illuminate the way toward mental health awareness and acceptance. We sincerely appreciate the constant commitment and compassion of all of our dedicated stakeholders, our national and international donors. For the past nine years, it has been your support that has moved us forward and enabled us to impact the lives of people around us. I thank you immensely.

Our Mission

Our mission is to prevent suicide in India that involves raising public awareness, getting people involved, providing thorough education, dedicating advocacy and providing mental health services. We strive to educate people and groups that preventing suicide is a public health issue. Our goal is to increase public understanding of the warning signs of suicidal behavior. By making information about these signs easily accessible, we provide people the tools they need to see them in friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We actively work to encourage help-seeking behavior for those facing mental health challenges.

Highlights of 9th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference- 2023

(Theme- Be the light, Create Hope)

Our annual conference offers a forum for creating change and breaking the taboo surrounding suicide in India, a subject that has long been shrouded in secrecy. It is a gathering which aims to promote a society in which each person may get the support they deserve, while lighting the paths to prevention.

It acts as a forum for professionals, survivors, and community members to interact, share experiences, and look into the solutions. These discussions are crucial for creating a shared understanding of the complex cause of suicide and for creating a course for prevention.

This year more than 400 people attended the conference. Participants not only learn new information, but also find comfort and strength in the company of others who share their commitment to the same cause. Their presence demonstrates their commitment to making a difference and their faith in the viability of a society in which tragedy caused by suicide is avoidable.

We acknowledge and appreciate the support of the Psychology Department of SNDT College of Arts and SCB College of Commerce and Science for Women in Churchgate, Mumbai. We are thankful to the Honorable Vice Chancellor of SNDT University -Professor Dr. Ujwala Chakradeo, Respected Principal – Dr. Vandana Sharma , and Head of Psychology Department- Professor Sonali Deshbhratar, for gracing the event with their presence and their support.

Our guest speakers and psychiatrists were Dr. Harish Shetty, Dr. Anjali Chhabria, Dr. Kersi Chavda, and Dr. Milan Balkrishnan, who helped us to gain new perspectives and deepen our awareness about this crucial societal issue. A panel discussion was also held that covered many facets of mental health by senior psychologists. Panelists were Ms. Nidhi Sharma, Ms. Suman Khanna, Ms. Madhura Koparkar, and Ms. Anuradha Karegar. Winners of Poster Making and Creative Writing competitions were announced. The final performance by Ms. Sharvari Prabhu was a perfect conclusion to the event.

Our Regular Programs

  1. Workshops for Awareness

The most effective way to raise awareness of suicide prevention is to expand our audience through our workshops. We interact with people from a variety of groups, occupations, and backgrounds. Workshops provide an opportunity for experiential sharing in addition to education, which helps reduce the stigma associated with suicide. Participants in our workshops gain understanding of their role as a first responder. This quarter we reached the youth from: NGO- Bright Future, MD Shah Mahila College, Kirti College, NGO- Global Humane Organisation, SIES College, K. C College, PN Doshi Women’s College, T. S Bafna Junior College, Nagindas Khandhwala College, and B. L Almani College, Nirmala Niketan College of Social Work and many, covering more than 1,500 participants.

  1. Suicide Prevention and Management for School Counselors and Educators Training ​

This quarter we conducted a batch of educators and counselors from Chetna Foundation that works toward promoting Mental Health in Corporates and Developmental sectors of India. The training sessions provided a space for developing compassion, comprehension, and courage in the face of difficulty.​

The complexity of suicide prevention was explored by the educators and counselors, who gained knowledge about how to spot the warning signs, offer quick aid, and provide crucial emotional support to individuals in need. They were reminded that they are an essential members of their community that looks up to them, which helped them feel a sense of duty and responsibility.

3. First Responder for Communities
Our comprehensive First responder training program enables volunteers to receive substantial training, which provides them the ability to recognize behaviors and symptoms for someone who is distressed and at risk of suicide in their community. Our last 4 batches of dedicated volunteers are well-positioned to spot neighborhood members who could be covertly battling mental health issues, using their knowledge about community and suicide. They act as a link, providing those in need with the necessary resources and aid. We conduct follow-up to support them regularly.

4. Free Counseling Sessions​​
Our organization is motivated by the belief that counseling can serve as an engine for positive change, providing those with mental health issues with a lifeline of hope and healing. We are committed to provide services that are easily accessible, caring, and inclusive so that we can enrich the lives of people and contribute to their mental wellbeing

    We understand that each person’s journey is unique, and we approach every one with understanding, respect, and a sincere dedication to their healing. To ensure that our services are accessible and convenient, we offer both online and offline counseling options for marginalized and low income groups.

    5. Support Group for Suicide Survivors and Mental Health​
    ​​​Our support group offer members a safe haven where they freely share their experiences, challenges, and victories in a supportive and understanding setting. Three times a month, our online support group meets. People with mental health issues can go there to get support, advice, and encouragement from their peers, knowing that they are not alone on the path to wellness. They can openly express their sorrow, share their memories, and pay respect to the people they have lost there, forging connections with those who have similar experiences.

        Sisters Living Works (SLW) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in USA and 80G certified in India. Your donation is deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

        ​You can also donate through our website sisterslivingworks.org using our secure PayPal or Credit Card system.

        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.