SDRF launches 24x7 'Sukoon' helpline number
Drug menace needs immediate attention: CS Mehta
Post by on Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Srinagar, June 29: Chief Secretary J&K Arun Kumar Mehta Tuesday inaugurated free helpline number “Sukoon” at State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) 1st battalion BaghatBarzulla here.
The helpline was inaugurated in collaboration with Mission Youth J&K and the Tourism Department.
The toll-free number 18001807159 “Sukoon” will offer guidance to persons who are experiencing, anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, mental health emergency, and pandemic induced psychological stress. The helpline will also guide the caller to avail the services of clinics, Physiologists, therapists, councillors, and psychiatrists and will provide 24x7 one-to-one support free confidential services to those who are experiencing mental health issues, the toll-free number 18001807159 will provide immediate help to such people.
On the occasion, Commandant General SDRF, V.K Singh, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P. K. Pole, Inspector general of Police, Vijay Kumar, Principal Secretary Home ShaleenKabra, DC Srinagar, AjazAsad Commandant General SDRF Haseeb urRehaman, and several others civil and police officers were present at the launching ceremony.
During the program, the cultural event was also held in which Shazia Akhter and Abid Ali performed.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary said this is a good initiative that will provide immediate help to those who need this and said "the rising drug menace needs immediate attention as every individual has a role in it to curb this menace."
He said the police is performing a good role in controlling the rising drug trade in Kashmir.
He further said that in Kashmir valley several other helplines have been launched in past and on the ground, they worked for time being only and hoped that after 10 years the 'Sukoon' toll-free should be like it is today.
“Government is helping youth through Mission Youth J&K in which youth can be helped. Eight thousand youth are slated to get help however so far the J&K Youth Mission has helped twenty thousand people and will continue to help them," he added.
“Giving normal life back to those who are facing these mental issues is a challenge and there are some people in the valley who have not seen the normal life," he said.
Director-General SDRF V.K Singh speaking on the occasion said, the SDRF has played a vital role since the second wave of Covid-19 and said around hundred SDRF and NDRF personals were trained in SKIMS and after weeks of training they are providing the duties at various locations including "by treating the Covid-19 positive patients."
He also appealed general public who are experiencing such issues to call the toll-free number to get instant help.
Haseeb urRehaman, Commandant SDRF told Rising Kashmir the toll-free number will be available 24x7 and 8 people can call this number at the time and in coming days it will be increased to 30.
He further said the number will get engaged and 15 persons have been trained within a week to attend these calls.
