GPF responds to 297 calls via suicide helpline

Jul 29, 2018 News

Since it was launched two years ago, the Guyana Police Force, (GPF) suicide helpline has received 297 calls from persons seeking help to deal with issues such as depression, frustration, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
The figures were released by Acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine during a recent event held at the GPF Headquarters.
The GPF ‘Suicide Helpline’ was launched under the Force’s Social Crime Prevention programme in August 2015.
At the launch, former Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, said that the helpline is equipped with suitably qualified and trained persons to answer the phone calls and receive text messages and emails and other forms of communication through social platforms operated and manned by an inter-agency centre.
He explained that when a call comes to the centre, once it is able to determine where the call is coming from, efforts will be made immediately via the nearest police station to have one of the counsellors from the Ministry of Social Protection or faith-based leaders who are counsellors to go to the subject and take over the process.
He said, too, that since many persons who commit suicide are hooked on drugs or alcohol, inputs from other agencies would be necessary.
At some stage therefore, a determination is made on the counsellors who will work with the affected person or whether there is need for more professional engagement; and in those cases, the Ministry of Public Health will be contacted, and mental health specialists can be brought in to speak with the subject.
Persons with thoughts of committing suicide are encouraged to seek counselling via the helpline.
Persons desirous of accessing the services of the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention Hotline can contact:Telephone numbers (+592) 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, 623-4444, Email: guyagency@yahoo.com, Twitter: guyanaagency, WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, 592- 623-4444 FaceBook: Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line

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