World Suicide Prevention Day 2024


On September 10th, 2024, the Centre for Counselling & Health Services (CCHS) at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, marked World Suicide Prevention Day with a variety of meaningful and creative activities aimed at raising awareness around mental health. The event sought to promote kindness and encourage hope and support among students, underlining the importance of mental well-being in the fight against suicide.

One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the "Be the I in KIND" initiative. This interactive visual activity underscored the vital role each individual plays in fostering kindness and mental health support. Large signs spelling out "KIND" were placed at prominent campus locations, such as the Central Block and the Management Block, inviting students to physically stand in as the "I" in the word. This simple act symbolised their commitment to spreading positivity and compassion. The response was enthusiastic, with many students taking pictures with the signs and sharing their participation on social media. This engagement extended the message of kindness and connection beyond the campus, reaching a broader audience.

Additionally, the initiative included a whiteboard display featuring "KIND Cards," where students could write messages of encouragement, positivity, or acts of kindness. These messages were shared publicly, contributing to a collective sense of community and support among students. The act of sharing these messages was a powerful reminder of how small gestures of kindness can have a significant impact on the well-being of others. The "Be the I in KIND" activity, combined with the KIND Cards, served as a platform for students to actively engage with the values of compassion and emotional support, key components of suicide prevention.

As part of the suicide prevention efforts, the CCHS also leveraged its social media presence with the "Message from the Counsellor" series, posted on the official CCHS Instagram page. This digital initiative allowed the university’s QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) trained counsellors to share messages of hope and support. These messages focused on raising awareness about suicide prevention strategies and encouraging students to seek help when needed. By utilizing Instagram, CCHS was able to connect with a larger audience, ensuring that students felt supported even when off-campus. The messages emphasized the importance of mental health, offering reassurance and resources for those who may be struggling.

The event at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) successfully combined in-person activities and digital outreach to create a supportive environment for students. The thoughtful integration of social media, combined with the on-campus activities, helped raise awareness of mental health issues and provided practical tools for suicide prevention. Through these efforts, the CCHS delivered a strong message of hope, kindness, and community support, underscoring the critical role that everyone can play in fostering mental well-being. The campaign highlighted that help is always available and that acts of kindness can make a profound difference in the lives of others.

The event concluded with a resounding message of hope, emphasizing that mental health support and kindness are essential in suicide prevention. The "Be the I in KIND" initiative and counsellor-led digital outreach successfully fostered a sense of community and encouraged students to actively engage in mental well-being efforts. The activities highlighted that help is always available, and simple acts of kindness can significantly impact others' lives.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

WHAT'S IT LIKE TO LIVE IN THE HOSTELS OF CHRIST LAVASA?

PANEL DISCUSSION ON LEADERSHIP & ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT SKILLS

WEBINAR ON ROLE OF DIGITAL MARKETING IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR