BW News The Newsletter of Befrienders Worldwide www.befrienders.org November 2019 No. 2

Dear Friends & Colleagues, Samaritans of Thailand (Bangkok) celebrated their 40th Anniversary Contents: We are pleased to present the latest BW Tokyo; Japan celebrated their 20th Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 50th edition of the BW newsletter. Anniversary Anniversary This edition records some significant Sourire de Reda; Morocco has been anniversaries of five of our member Samaritans of Thailand (Bangkok) operating for 10 years. Centres: 40th Anniversary Congratulations to you all on reaching Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 20th Anniversary of BW Tokyo Japan these significant anniversaries. celebrated their 50th Anniversary Please let us know what is happening BW Miyazaki annual concert & Bloemfontein Befrienders: South Africa in your Centre and especially when you lecture in association with World their 45th Anniversary are celebrating significant events. Suicide Prevention Day Outreach Activities of Befrienders Samaritans of Singapore (SOS ) 50th Anniversary Conference – Unifying Communities; Befrienders Kenya: Breaking the Strengthening Hope Silence; Gatekeeper Training; World In conjunction with Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 50th anniversary, Unifying Suicide Prevention Day. Communities; Strengthening Hope conference brings together experts in Samaritans of Singapore: activities different fields of work to share their knowledge and experience on suicide and its in September prevention. This year, we have included opportunities to discuss matters related to the elderly, digital media, workplace mental health, and challenges faced by Letter from Befrienders minority groups in Singapore. Bloemfontein You may find more details of the conference here: News from Kaan Pete Roi; https://www.sos.org.sg/blog/conference2019 Bangladesh

Press release from Sourire de Reda

This year, the Samaritans of Thailand turned 40 Activities of Befrienders KL (Kuala Lumpur; ). To celebrate this significant milestone of our organization, we organized an international conference on suicide prevention over the weekend of March Befrienders Kenya: Suicide 8-10, 2019, at a hotel in the ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya. The principal Prevention workshop and training; objectives of the conference are to foster closer relationship with like-minded Caring for the care givers; Mental organizations around the world, to provide networking opportunities for future Health Panel discussion; Outreach collaboration, and, most importantly, to exchange ideas and learn from one Programme and Charged for another as we face the upcoming challenges as emotional support providers in Attempting Suicide. this rapidly changing world. The theme of the conference was “Challenging the Challenges”.

The conference was attended by close to a hundred delegates from suicide prevention centers in various countries across three continents. Locally, we also welcomed delegates from the government sector, other NGO’s, the British Embassy as well as members of the local press.

We felt really honored that during this conference, three very prominent personalities have accepted our invitation to give keynote speeches.

To contact us: To submit articles or information for the Newsletter, please contact the BW Secretary, Dave Watkins (communications@ befrienders.org). Contact information for the Chair of the Trustees is: Martin Taylor ([email protected]).

1 about his experiences on movie work. We discussed these issues making with suicide theme, how he extensively and came up with previously romanticized suicide in his framework on how we may cope movies, and how his perception about with these rising challenges. suicide changed after he came into contact with the representatives from the Samaritans of Thailand. He also discussed how he employed his artistic skills in helping the Samaritans of Thailand raise awareness of the gravity Dr. Mechai Viravaidhya, a former of the suicide issue in Thailand and Senator and Tourism Minister and shed light on how everyone may have a pioneer of community works in role in suicide prevention by “listening Thailand who is affectionately known as with their hearts”. In Thai culture, Thailand’s “Mr. Condom” for his pivotal “having role in reducing the population growth fun” is an of the country, gave a very motivational integral part speech on his work at a community- of our lives. based rural school. The delegates felt Consequently, very inspired by his speech and many in addition to renewed their commitment to continue providing the with their work to bring positive opportunities changes to this world. to have serious Mr. Michael Yoon, discussions Safety Manager of through Facebook in Asia workshops and listening to keynote Pacific, was another speeches, we also ensured that our keynote speaker delegates had as much fun as possible. who provided We hosted a welcome dinner on a insights to the audience about the company’s commitment Looking into the future, we see a of the social media company in number of challenges taking place suicide prevention through its within the next decade. With this in collaboration with organizations such mind, we organized workshops focused as the Samaritans of Thailand. He also on three main issues that we feel will discussed how technology can be become very challenging in the near utilized for suicide prevention work. future:

1. The problems associated ageing societies and how we can help people cope,

2. The increasing frequency of cyberbullying as the use of social media rises exponentially and how this problem can be alleviated, and

3. Whether the use of artificial river cruise on Friday evening, where intelligence and machine learning the delegates enjoyed the scenery of Finally, Mr. Pen-Ek Rattanaruang, an in emotional support work will the historical ruins of Ayutthaya while internationally acclaimed and multi- become a challenge or opportunity having dinner and cruising. It was award winning movie director, talked for us who are in this line of thoroughly enjoyed by all. On Saturday

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

2 Continued from page 2... The conference concluded on Sunday, March 10, with the final speech by 20th Anniversary of our Chairman summarizing the BW Tokyo Japan night, we hosted the “International things we had discussed and learned Night” where delegates from different together throughout the weekend BW Tokyo Japan had a Lecture countries performed on stage. The and challenging the delegates to face Meeting on 15th December 2018 evening’s event culminated in a Thai upcoming challenges with confidence, celebrating the 20th Anniversary. communal dance, participated by all courage, and commitment. Most The title was “Be honest, unique, delegates. delegates expressed their positive and peaceful: Tips to relieve views about the conference we hosted. Depression, Anxiety, and Grief from Meaningful friendships, both on the a psychological point of view”. individual and organizational levels, Twitter Japan offered the venue as were established during the conference. BW Tokyo Japan has admitted as Many delegates have already told us their partnership organization from that they were looking forward to 2016. When someone tweets suicidal returning once again in 2029 when we comment, Twitter Japan recommends will be celebrating our 50th anniversary. BW Tokyo Japan Helpline. After the lecture meeting, we had a special party, “BO-NENKAI”, celebrating our 20th anniversary. More than 40 people including supporters from the beginning, former Befrienders colleagues and Befrienders family gathered from all over Japan. Four new members had certified as listening volunteers and received the blessing of attendees. May the four be good listening volunteers. Many thanks to the British Embassy for producing and posting this clip Director of BW Tokyo Japan on their facebook page: https:// Machiko Nakayama www.facebook.com/ukinthailand/ videos/2081400941979528/

“BO-NENKAI” means generally a year- Centres in Japan. As many pupils and end party in Japan. As BO (forget) students of elementary school, junior and BO (hope) are homophones in high school, and high school tend to Japanese of each other, (Homophone be suicidal especially at the end of the (pronounced HAH-muh-fone) is Greek summer vacation or the first school for “same sound.” It’s when two or day. Befrienders of Tokyo Centre care more words have the same sound, but for themselves with everyone bringing different meanings.) snacks for a break and chatting. Some enjoy this special chance to meet each A party for Befrienders hoping and other. looking to creat a society where suicidal feelings shall not be denied easily and the decision to take one’s own life shall be respected”. The BW Tokyo Japan provided a Toll-Free Helpline from midnight of 31st August “Be honest, unique, and peaceful: Tips to 05:30 am on 2nd September for to relieve Depression, Anxiety, and the World Suicide Prevention Day, Grief from a psychological point of 10th September in cooperation of BW view”

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

3 BW Miyazaki; Japan Every year, the BW Miyazaki Japan holds an annual concert with a lecture meeting for the World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September. This year, the speaker of the lecture meeting was Dr. Masato Hiejima, a psychiatrist. He talked about risks of addiction, mental illness, and suicide. We learned how they are related to each other and what can we do for such people. Approx. 100 participants of the lecture meeting enjoyed the concert of the Mandolin Ensemble “All free!” as well. Dr. Masato Hiejima

Befrienders Penang Outreach Activities: 17 March - 17 May 2010 Publicity & Outreach Booth (conduct DASS21 and on-site befriending):

Permatang Pauh Health Carnival; Mydin ; SEGI College; TAR University College; Vitrox Technologies Factory; . Talks on Introduction to Befrienders Penang & Understanding Depression & Suicide Prevention: St. Xaviers Institution; Georgetown Secondary School; Tanjung Bunga Health Clinic; Muntri Street Health Clinic; Macalister Road Health Clinic; Perak Road Health Clinic; Bandar Baru Health Clinic; Bukit Jambul Health Clinic; Health Clinic. Workshop on Understanding Loneliness & Relationship: KDU University College.

Outreach Training & Refresher Potluck lunch Shared by members: Update on skills and knowledge

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

4 Befrienders Kenya

We are delighted to bring to you the to show how Befrienders Kenya 7th Edition of Breaking the Silence is reaching out to those who are 2018. distressed and in danger of taking We are very, very small, but we are their lives as we also recognize profoundly capable of very, very that suicide is a concern for all and big things. (Stephen Hawking). This indeed everyone has a role to play is why as Befrienders Kenya, we in suicide prevention. Breaking the choose to do something about the Silence is also part of Befrienders prevailing situation on suicide and Kenya efforts towards reducing with support from our partners and stigma associated with suicide well - wishers continue to provide free through bringing the topic of suicide and confidential emotional support to into conversation. Through Breaking those in distress as we also continue the silence we also share with you to educate communities on Suicide our activities done through the year. Prevention. As Befrienders Kenya we are Having held various awareness Foundation and like-minded proud to be members of Befrienders activities through invitations by individuals for continued support and Worldwide and International groups and community trainings in encouragement. Last and certainly not Association for Suicide Prevention Kikuyu through the support of the least a big thank you to our committed (IASP) national representatives for International Association for Suicide volunteers who keep BK alive – thank Kenya. Prevention (IASP), it is evident that you Team! We look forward to taking BK Breaking the Silence’s overall goal is to there is increased level of confidence in to greater heights in 2019 as we work provide information and educate its our work as BK. together to prevent suicide. readers on the topic of Suicide which We are grateful to IASP, Befrienders is still a taboo subject in Kenya and Worldwide, Africa Mental Health

Befrienders Kenya Marked World Suicide Prevention Day

Befrienders Kenya marked the Word and depression as well as how to assist suicide survivors and those bereaved Suicide Prevention Day in Kenya for such a person. through suicide are remembered. the 7th year. The event was held at the Another item on the program was one Participants were also shown a video Lutheran Plaza, Nairobi County with the of the participants sharing his personal “OUT OF THIS LIFE” by Patriciah Esteve theme: Working Together to Prevent experience as a bereaved parent – he which features stories from survivors Suicide. Befrienders Kenya Director shared on how he lost his daughter and bereaved persons. Time Merab Mulindi emphasized on the through suicide despite efforts made need to adopt multi- level and cohesive to manage her mental condition which approaches for suicide prevention the family was well aware of and were efforts representing integration within giving the necessary support. Although and between disciplines, organizations, the loss was very traumatic to him and agencies, professionals, communities the entire family, it was an eye opener and the general public. on mental health and he now joins Mr. Hiram Chomba, a Befrienders forces with like- minded individuals and Kenya volunteer psychologist shared organizations in raising awareness on with the participants the World suicide prevention. Health Organization (WHO) suicide The event which brought together statistics in Kenya emphasizing on participants from various institutions the need for communities, individuals and organizations saw the speakers and organization to work together emphasize on the importance of the to prevent suicide. He also took theme. Participants took part in the the participants through ways of traditional candle lighting ceremony identifying someone at risk of suicide where those that died through suicide,

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

5 Befrienders Kenya Marked Suicide Prevention Workshop

Befrienders Kenya conducted a Suicide mental illnesses are not only limited to the individual in their time of distress. Prevention awareness workshop at Moi schizophrenia and psychosis as they These people are commonly known University, Yala campus with the theme: had deemed. to have had adverse childhood expe- Connect, communicate and Care. The riences which include physical and Additionally, Befrienders Kenya volun- workshop was a response to a request sexual abuse, bullying, family discord teer, Hellen Ogole took the participants made by the Peer Counseling Associa- and domestic violence at home and through ways of taking care of their tion. sometimes due to issues relating to mental health and coping mechanisms their sexual orientation. During the training which was geared that can be used to refresh oneself. towards understanding why there Among those that she shared included: Ms. Hellen noted that people often are so many suicide cases among the exercise, sharing with friends and engage in self-harm due to inability to young people, Hiram Chomba, Be- having a strong support system, cry- handle their emotional distress, when frienders Kenya volunteer psychologist ing, journaling or keeping a diary and they need to draw attention to their introduced Befrienders Kenya to the proper rest. She also outlined ways of distress (problem) and when they are participants and took the students identifying a person in distress by citing attempting to punish themselves for through the current statistics of suicide the warning signs to look out for. having negative thoughts. The students in the world as well as in Kenya. appreciated that Befrienders Kenya She further discussed the alarming was able to respond to their request He said, Mental Health is a state of well- tendencies of self - harm among youth and carry out the one day workshop being whereby one is at optimum mind and adolescents aged 14-23 noting that which proved very enlightening to the function, such that one can navigate self-harm which is sometimes difficult students. through life’s stressful situations satis- to detect, is a complex phenomenon factorily. This was an awakening to most often caused by many different reasons By Immaculate Karanja students due to the realization that and it is important to be sensitive to

Befrienders Kenya Mental Health Panel Discussion

Befrienders Kenya took part in a mental the fact that legally, attempted suicide suggestions or to imitating behaviors. health panel discussion organized by is a crime, few suicides are reported as The participants recommended that in Ryculture Limited on the 14thSeptem- suicide. In addition to this he highlight- order to deal with the issue of suicide, ber 2018 at Jomo Kenyatta University ed the predisposing factors to suicide it was important to work on equipping of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) noting that there’s no single cause for young people with skills to help in cop- with the theme: Working Together to suicide as it most often occurs when ing with stress, how to act in conflict Prevent Suicide. stressors and health issues converge to situations, increasing self-assessment The event featured exhibitions from create an experience of hopelessness and addressing and managing feelings various organizations, an art show case, and despair. of worthlessness, relieving inner ten- testimonials and panel discussions on Suicide is judged negatively in the soci- sions in oneself and promoting help- Suicide and Mental health from a clini- ety as the act of striking into the values seeking behavior. cal angle and Management of suicide of what life is. However, in this situation Hiram Chomba facilitating a session and support systems for survivors and the aggrieved parties are also the fam- those bereaved by suicide. ily and closest individuals. During the By Befrienders Kenya team Befrienders Kenya representative to discussion, it emerged that amongst the panel Hiram Chomba took the the young people such problems as participants through the statistics from depression, alcohol & drug abuse and World Health Organization (WHO) behavioral disorders account for the indicating that in Kenya 1,408 people increased suicide rates. Making suicide die by suicide annually translating to public in the media also contributes to four deaths by suicide daily. However, the increase in the number of these acts due to the stigma around the issue and since young people are susceptible to

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

6 Caring For The Care Givers Befrienders Kenya Partner with IASP On 10thDecember 2018 Befrienders some do not get to interact much. Befrienders Kenya in partnership with Kenya changed focus from clients to There was also time to reflect on the ex- International Association for Suicide the care-givers! This was recognition perience of serving in the organization Prevention (IASP) held suicide preven- and appreciation of the work done and time for meals, games and team tion and mental health awareness by BK volunteers who give their time, building activities. The director appreci- trainings as part of the Kikuyu/ Mutu-ini resources and energy in service of the ated the volunteers for the commend- Community Project to raise awareness clients. Being a charitable organization, able services they are rendering and of the risks of suicide and the signs that the role of volunteers cannot be over encouraged them to keep up the good can be identified within families, work- emphasized since the organization is work knowing that service to human- force and peer groups, and increase hinged on volunteer efforts. ity is never in vain and has immense awareness of suicide and deliber- There was time for getting to know rewards. All agreed that the shared time ate self-harm, address risk factors of each other since volunteers work on was worthwhile. completed and attempted suicides and different days and time schedules and reduce stigma associated with suicidal behaviours. The trainings brought together partici- pants from various professions; police Befrienders Kenya Outreach Program officers, probation officers, health care professionals, church leaders, youth groups, Community elders from Befrienders Kenya held a school out- students it emerged that students Mutuini Sub- County and Befrienders reach program in Embakasi constitu- have challenges sharing or expressing Kenya volunteers. ency Nairobi with the aim of creating what they are facing on the available awareness on Suicide Prevention. platform which is school counseling. The trainings were conducted in differ- Some of the challenges of counseling ent areas within Kikuyu and Mutu-ini. During the outreach the Form 1 and in schools as reported by the students form 2 students were engaged in talks, during the activity were: group work and counseling sessions. The program focused on issues affect- •Dual roles played by the school coun- ing young people in the area especially selors who are also subject teachers. as the area is vulnerable to drugs/ alco- Playing the two roles impacts nega- hol use, rape, early pregnancies, crime tively on the counseling. and high school dropout rates. •Limited time for the school counselors The program ran between the months to provide counseling services to stu- of January-March, and May- July taking dents as the teachers have several other a break when the school was on recess responsibilities. and leaving out September – December •Some of the teachers who carry out the when the focus in schools is mainly on counseling are not adequately profes- national examinations. The program sionally trained for the role. saw the students taken through various topics including: Relationships, Suicide, •Referrals for counseling are often made Depression, Communication, Drug and during a crisis making the counseling alcohol use and effective study ap- appear to be a form of crisis interven- proaches. tion. The program was facilitated by Be- A number of students have come to as- frienders Kenya volunteers Hellen sociate counseling with discipline and Ogole, Kristina Zedler and Mabel hence developed a negative attitude Inganji. towards seeking the service. During the interactions with the By Mabel Inganji

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

7 Charged for Attempting Suicide By Hiram Chomba

In the last 10 years there have been spend the next three days in the media reports of persons who have streets…his hopes crushed as he gave been convicted of attempted suicide. the last of his pocket money to the The law stipulates that such persons are mango vender for his last meal. James liable to a jail term for periods between would spend the next 3 months in 6 months to 3 years or fines up to Ksh agony doing all sorts of menial jobs 200,000. when they came his way and struggling There is an urgent need to amend these to survive in this new setting with new laws criminalizing suicide, this fact was experiences. brought home to me when I recently Eventually, it became unbearable for encountered a young man charged him - cold nights and more often than with attempted suicide. Fortunately the not, an empty stomach. On the fateful magistrate directed that the young man day he attempted suicide, he had made get an assessment before sentencing up his mind to walk to the police station him. in the hope that he could get some James* not his real name - was ar- help only to get a hostile reception - for rested for attempting to take his life by James that was the last straw, he was stabbing himself in the abdomen area, done living…. Then things took a new fortunately he was rushed to the hospi- turn when he now found himself in hos- tal and though he was left nursing his pital then in remand. I was able to make wound, his life was saved. James after my assessment and present as directed. treatment would recuperate in Industri- This particular case has a happy ending al Area Remand Prison where there are for James was later released to his uncle over 3,000 inmates. I was called upon by and directed to get counseling, but a probation officer who was part of the what about the other cases? Befrienders Kenya gatekeepers training I met James and upon my introduction - the Magistrate required an assessment and purpose for my visit, a ray of hope on James to determine whether he was shone through his eyes and opened up at risk of making another attempt on his and narrated his woes. life if released and therefore a danger The Kenya Penal Code chapter 63 sec- to himself. I met James and upon my tion 225 stipulates that a person who introduction and purpose for my visit, a attempts to kill himself is guilty of a ray of hope shone through his eyes and misdemeanor. Many countries have he opened up and narrated his woes. decriminalized suicide including the We had a lengthy talk despite the fact United Kingdom where our current that he was frail and talked slowly still laws evolved from and who abolished holding the medication given at the laws criminalizing suicide in 1961. Do hospital to ease the pain in his abdo- laws criminalizing suicide lead to fewer men. James had left his rural home and suicides? Research suggests that they come to Nairobi County in search of do not – they actually have contrary employment - his friend had promised effects. Change of these laws will call for him good tidings if he found his way to concerted effort from all stakeholders Nairobi, the friend even sent him bus as mental health and suicide begin to fare for the travel so he travelled full of be recognized as major public health hope. However, upon arrival things took concerns. In the meantime, gatekeepers a different turn – he could not trace in all sectors need to be trained to as- his friend as the only contact they had sess risk for suicide and care for per- was through telephone and his mobile sons at risk and through that save lives phone was turned off! through working together to prevent A stranger to the city, James would suicide.

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

8 Gatekeeper Training Befrienders Kenya in partnership with It was noted that lack of surveillance training to improve both knowledge International Association for Suicide systems and criminalization of those and skills for suicide prevention. Prevention (IASP) held a gatekeepers who attempt suicide often lead to He urged the participants to be training as part of the Kikuyu/ Mutu-ini wrong documentation of the causes aware of the signs and symptoms of Community Project on 19thNovember of death thus a challenge in getting depression in children and adolescents 2018 at PCEA Kikuyu Township hall and the full picture of suicide occurrence. as well stating that verbal expression of on the 4thof December, 2018 at the Religious positions, cultural beliefs sad feelings is an important indicator Mutuini Sub- County Hospital. This was and stigma around suicide in Kenya and observed that depression can be the second lot of gate keepers trainings, and other African Countries make it managed and even treated through the first one having been conducted difficult for family members to report psychotherapy, family interventions, by the then IASP President Prof. Ella suicide cases as suicide or even report socio-therapeutic and pharmacological Aresman assisted by Ms Wendy Orchard attempts. However, there is now treatment and even other emerging the IASP Executive director in June growing awareness on mental health expertise in the field. 2017. The recent trainings brought issues with several initiatives in the Mr. Chomba outlined some risk together participants from various field supporting Government efforts. It factors associated with suicide in professions; probation officers from was also noted that general attitudes Kenya as interpersonal challenges, Kikuyu Sub-County, Befrienders Kenya towards suicide and suicide prevention mental and physical health problems, volunteers and Community Health are in transition from morality towards socio economic problems, drug and Volunteers from Mutuini Sub- County. mental health. alcohol use and abuse, child abuse Befrienders Kenya counseling Mr. Chomba explained that though and trauma. He further emphasized psychologist who was the lead trainer, depression is the leading cause on the need to build bridges which Hiram Chomba took the participants of suicide, many people do not includes recognizing suicide risk, through various topics including acknowledge their own depression communication and interaction in order recognizing warning signs of suicidal due to the stigma around it. This leads to give those at risk a chance to behavior, common attitudes towards people to shy away from seeking for unburden. This would strengthen help depression and suicidal behavior, help such as professional counseling seeking behavior, keep the affected depression and suicide, building or starting drug therapy once it is person connected and delay acting on bridges, risk factors of suicide, suicide prescribed by the specialists. He added suicidal impulses. and self-harm among others. that health workers need additional By Befrienders Kenya team

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

9 Samaritans of Befrienders South Africa Singapore (SOS) Dear Reader, Activities organised for the month of Our Bloemfontein Befriender Branch celebrated their 45th birthday on the 1st September in 2019: June 2019 – what a privilege and honour to be part of an Organization who offers 1. Suicide Prevention Week free, confidential and non-judgemental emotional support to anyone who may Centred around social media, experience emotional distress and despair. Thank you to all the Bloemfontein SOS ran a week-long campaign Befriender Directors; volunteers; funding partners and friends of the Befrienders for across social media platforms their support, wisdom and leadership that steered the Bloemfontein Befrienders (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) through the years. titled #HopeThroughTheNight. In the 20th spot in an article on FaceBook by Mike Spohr: ’37 things you’ll regret This campaign aimed to invite when you’re old’, he put: not volunteering enough – “nearing the end of one’s the community to build onto this life without having helped to make the world a better place is a great source of repository of hope. The campaign sadness for many.” targets vulnerable youth in their The Universal Declaration on Volunteering (adopted IAVE Netherlands 2001): “All ‘darkest hours’ of 12 midnight to people in the world should have the right to freely offer their time, talent and 3 am - the hours when they are energy to others and their communities through individual and collective action, most likely to reach out to SOS. without expectation of financial reward.” Through Instagram submissions, To give back to our communities is an opportunity to gain valuable skills, the campaign aims to help those in experience personal growth, gratitude and a great sense of satisfaction. need find comfort in the words of Fred Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my others during this time. mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are You may find more details of the helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words campaign here: https://www.sos. and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so org.sg/blog/lets-spread-hope-in- many caring people in the world.” the-darkest-hours The worldwide statistics on suicide remain a disaster. The Befrienders play an 2. Reminder bracelets important role in suicide prevention by being available to listen, with caring, In collaboration with a local empathy and acceptance, to anyone whose pain exceeds pain-coping resources jewellery company, SOS launched and who feels at that moment, suicide seems to be the only choice. To escape from a limited edition bracelet series in the pain, not necessarily from life. the lead up to World Mental Health Day in October. 10 September 2019: World Suicide Prevention Day: “Working together to prevent suicide worldwide.” God Bless. You may find more details of the bracelets here: https://www.sos.org.sg/ Anna blog/charity-collection Anna van Aswegen

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

10 Kann Pete Roi’s Marks Six Year Anniversary

Dear Friends of Kaan Pete Roi, Bangladesh. Research coming out of I am delighted to write to you all on our helpline has been presented at Kaan Pete Roi’s six year anniversary. national and international conferences Kaan Pete Roi is Bangladesh’s first and and submitted to international journals only emotional support and suicide for peer review. Our data management prevention helpline. The mission of system, designed by helpline volunteers the helpline is to alleviate feelings themselves, is being profiled at the of despair, isolation, distress, and International Association for Suicide suicidal intent among members Prevention Conference in Northern of our community. Kaan Pete Roi Ireland later this year. Through research accomplishes this through confidential, and outreach, we are constantly trying compassionate, and open-minded to learn how to improve our services listening. as well as better understand all of the Kaan Pete Roi is now open SEVEN days issues we deal with in Bangladesh that a week with SEVEN different phone might lead people to get on the phone lines. Since we first opened our lines with us. on April 28th, 2013, we have taken At Kaan Pete Roi, we’re extremely more than eighteen thousand calls, and grateful to everyone who has made this have trained more than two hundred work possible. volunteers working on outreach, First and foremost, we are grateful to awareness, capacity building all over our generous donors and supporters, the country, and of course, answering without whom our organization would calls that come into our helpline. not exist. I’m proud to announce that since the We are grateful to all the exceptional first day we opened our lines six years individuals who come forward to ago, we have never had our phones become volunteers. I am tremendously closed when they shouldn’t be. Through proud of the community that Kaan Pete storms and blazing Dhaka sun, hartals Roi has become, rising to any occasion, and sieges, Eid, Puja, Purnima and striving to be bigger and better every Christmas, we have always been open day. when we said we would be. And we are especially grateful to those Kaan Pete Roi now has collaborations who trust us enough to call us and with organizations all over Bangladesh allow us into their lives; this trust is truly and across the globe. We are a a gift. proud member – the one and only I look forward to watching Kaan Pete in Bangladesh - of Befrienders Roi grow in the years to come. I hope Worldwide, a global authority on you will join me. Please consider suicide prevention. In a collaboration donating your time, skills, or resources with the Department of Educational – every little bit counts, and we would and Counseling Psychology at never have made it here without you. Dhaka University, we have created a And please spread the word – friends comprehensive database of references telling friends is the best way for us to to mental health services across the let people know that we are here to country. We have done events at help. institutions and organizations across As always, I am deeply grateful. the country. We’ve been to Tangail Yeshim Iqbal and Moulvibazar; we’ve been to Founder and Director Rangamati and Chittagong. We have Kaan Pete Roi Emotional Support and conducted community mental health Suicide Prevention Helpline interventions and trainings all over

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

11 Sourire de Reda; Morocco #Ana_m3ak This is a message of hope sent by artists and leaders to young people who are suffering, for the new Awareness Campaign of Sourire de Reda - Casablanca, February 5, 2019

10 years of actions ... by listening to young people who do February 5th 2019: National Youth For 10 years, Sourire de Reda has been not know where to turn to talk about Suicide Prevention Day. For the helping adolescents and their families their troubles 5th edition of its annual awareness to avoid having Just a few years ago, who would have campaign, Sourire de Reda has distress that is not expressed turn in imagined that in Morocco, we would complemented its press, radio, web crisis... be able to openly discuss taboo topics and social networks presence with an innovative video. ... by sensitizing public opinion as sensitive as suicide? The media and Sourire de Reda helped foster this new Personalities support the movement ... by offering prevention workshops in openness contribute by constant and #Ana_m3ak schools reassuring communications.

Humorists, TV hosts, graffiti artists, comedians, YouTubers... these artists and media leaders are mobilized through a video that speak softly and clearly to express their solidarity and say to young people « ANA_M3AK ». These people inspire millions of Moroccans and have an amazing capacity to mobilize. “They are the best placed to convey important messages to youths: messages of prevention, but also of hope for young people, and for parents who often feel powerless when #Ana_m3ak, is to realize that everyone Rahhal and Othmane Doukha With their child is going through a difficult can help in prevention. the support of our partners: Mosaik period” explains Véronique Fima, #Ana_m3ak, is to become part of a Communication, Sigma Technologies director of the association. huge chain of solidarity. and Mr Big Stuff “Adolescence is often misunderstood. #Ana_m3ak, is learning how to identify Watch the video at: https:// Some young people are unable to and act. www.youtube.com/ express what they are going through, #Ana_m3ak, is understanding that watch?v=wX12VsOEo1s&t=8s For more others will express it in a way that a smile, a look, a word can change information: www.sourire2reda.org adults may be unable to decode” says someone’s life! Contacts: Meryeme Bouzidi Laraki, President of The video #Ana_m3ak was made with Mosaik Events & Co: Sourire de Reda. “We want to tell them the generous participation of: Loubna Debbarh that they are not alone! We also want to - Asmae El Arabi/The Tberguig, [email protected] / 05 22 reassure their friends and their families, Baddunes, Ed, Ghassan El Hakim, 25 28 68 and free them from their fears so that Hicham Masrar, Machi Sourire de Reda: they can help those who need their Ana, Réda Allali and Souhail Echaddini Véronique Fima support”. - and young people: Radia [email protected] / Help is not as hard as we think, all of us Debbagh, Yasmin Chaimaa Ben 06 17 300 200 can help.

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

12 Help is not as hard as we think, all of us can help.

#Ana_m3ak, is to realize that everyone can help in prevention. #Ana_m3ak, is to become part of a huge chain of solidarity. #Ana_m3ak, is learning how to identify and act. #Ana_m3ak, is understanding that a smile, a look, a word can change someone’s life! The video #Ana_m3ak was made with the generous participation of: - Asmae El Arabi/The Tberguig, Baddunes, Ed, Ghassan El Hakim, Hicham Masrar, Machi Ana, Réda Allali and Souhail Echaddini - and young people: Radia Debbagh, Yasmin Chaimaa Ben Rahhal and Othmane Doukha With the support of our partners: Mosaik Communication, Sigma Technologies and Mr Big Stuff Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=wX12VsOEo1s&t=8s For more information: www. sourire2reda.org Contacts: Mosaik Events & Co: Loubna Debbarh, [email protected] / 05 22 25 28 68 Sourire de Reda: Véronique Fima, [email protected] / 06 17 300 200

The Befrienders KL (Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia)

1. Twitter: Engaging public with information and polls on our Twitter account on issues related to Suicide Prevention. 2. Released a Press Statement. Working together to prevent suicide https://www.malaymail. com/news/what-you- think/2019/09/11/working- together-to-prevent-suicide- justin-victor/1789383 3. Astro Awani Pagi – Live TV discussion http://www.astroawani.com/ video-malaysia/awani-pagi- bersama-mencegah-bunuh- diri-1808692 4. Astro Radio Stations Interviews throughout the day. 5. Active Listening Workshop for Undergraduates.

The Board of Befrienders Worldwide November 2019

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