What is Sneha and what does it do?

Sneha is a Chennai-based NGO founded in February 1986 that focuses on suicide prevention by offering emotional support through listening and advocacy.

How many people has Sneha helped?

Sneha has handled over 1.5 million phone calls, walk-ins, emails, and chats since its inception.

What kind of support does Sneha provide?

Sneha volunteers listen and offer emotional support to callers without giving advice or solutions, ensuring anonymity and confidentiality.

Home / Health / 40 Years of Listening: Chennai NGO's Suicide Prevention Impact

40 Years of Listening: Chennai NGO's Suicide Prevention Impact

20 Feb

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Summary

Volunteers listen, offering emotional support without advice.
Sneha has handled over 1.5 million calls since 1986.
The NGO advocates for policy changes and community resilience.

40 Years of Listening: Chennai NGO's Suicide Prevention Impact

Founded in February 1986, Sneha has dedicated 40 years to suicide prevention, overcoming initial skepticism to become a vital resource. The organization operates entirely with volunteers, demonstrating that support can be effectively delivered through empathy and active listening. Sneha has responded to over 1.5 million calls, in addition to managing walk-ins, emails, and chats, providing a non-judgmental space for those in distress.

Volunteers at Sneha offer emotional support, emphasizing that their role is to listen and be present with callers rather than provide advice or solutions. Anonymity and confidentiality are cornerstones of their service, fostering a safe environment for individuals to share their feelings. The organization's impact extends beyond direct support, encompassing advocacy for policy changes and community-based interventions.