The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, joined hands with the National Tele-MANAS Programme at G.B. Pant Hospital to organize an awareness programme on World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 at CRC Brookshabad.
The observance this year carried the theme “Nurturing Hope and Resilience: Supporting Mental Health of Parents, Caregivers, and Persons with Disabilities.” The programme aimed to highlight the growing need for sustained mental health support for vulnerable groups, particularly families raising children with disabilities.
Nidhi, Clinical Psychologist, National Tele-MANAS, G.B. Pant Hospital, led the session. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding mental well-being among parents and caregivers, noting that their resilience directly impacts the growth and development of children with disabilities. During her address, she introduced participants to the National Tele-MANAS Helpline (14416), a free 24×7 mental health support service. The helpline, she explained, serves as a lifeline for individuals in emotional distress and also offers pathways for follow-up clinical care when required.
The programme was attended by Sumithamol, Director, CRC A&N Islands, who underscored the importance of integrating community-level awareness with institutional support to address rising concerns around mental health and suicide prevention. To enhance outreach, Ambika Paul, Technical and Project Coordinator of the National Tele-MANAS Programme in the islands, distributed informative pamphlets to participants, detailing available services and resources under the initiative.
A key highlight of the programme was the announcement that CRC A&N Islands will collaborate closely with the Tele-MANAS team to ensure continuity of care for identified clients. This includes counselling sessions, follow-up services, and sustained mental health interventions for persons with disabilities and their families. Organizers stressed that the joint effort aims to create a reliable support system within the islands, bridging gaps in access to professional help.
The event opened with a welcome address by Prabhu, Special Educator-cum-O&M Instructor, who spoke about the relevance of World Suicide Prevention Day in local contexts. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Ashok, Vocational Instructor, who appreciated the collaboration between CRC and Tele-MANAS in promoting mental health awareness across the island community.
The programme reflected a growing commitment to foster hope, resilience, and accessible mental health care in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
