Brac, Psychological Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) and Kaan Pete Roi, have launched a tele-counselling service to provide emergency counselling support for citizens experiencing distress, frustration and stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The matter was confirmed through a press release signed by Brac’s Head of Media and External Affairs Rafe Sadnan Adel.
The platform, launched on Monday, is called 'Moner Jotno Mobile E', and will be available across the country.
The hotline number 01709-817179 will remain open from 8 in the morning till 12 midnight. Counsellors will pick up the calls themselves.
Dr Erum Mariam, executive director of Brac Institute of Educational Development, said: “This collaborative effort aims at helping those who are experiencing a state of stress and anxiety in this unusual situation.”
“Lockdowns, long stays at homes and other social distancing measures enforced to contain the spread of the virus are causing confusion and distress among many of us, while many others are anxious about losing jobs,” she added.
Expert counselling from platforms such as 'Moner Jotno Mobile E', which combines the expertise of Brac, PHWC, and Kaan Pete Roi, can provide essential mental support to suffering individuals, so that they can better tackle this crisis and inspire a sense of hopefulness about the future, Mariam remarked.
The organizers also said remote counselling using phones were being advocated by experts globally, especially during lockdowns such as the current one, when people are often unable to get out of their homes to seek necessary support.
Under this initiative, a team of 28 psychologists and counsellors will directly attend to callers and full confidentiality will be ensured.
Furthermore, the tele-counsellors will support them with tips on wellbeing, exercises, and other suggestions which will hopefully ease their distress and anxiety.
The organizers also stated that if any callers make it known that they have symptoms of Covid-19, or manifest more serious psychological distress, they will be referred to relevant government-approved services for further attention and treatment.
