Pune / Delhi  : Tourism Finance Corporation of India, India’s leading NBFC and lending institution providing financial assistance to tourism & hospitality sector, real-estate, healthcare, education, MSE and NBFC/HFC sectors has announced its partnership with SHB Social Foundation as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative to lead a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about mental health through various platforms, including radio campaigns and social media outreach.

Mental health awareness has become an increasingly pressing issue that is affecting individuals across all genders and age groups. Recognizing the need for accessible support services, this initiative seeks to make the ‘Listening Post’ free helpline number available to communities in multiple cities. Through this campaign sponsored by TFCI, SHB Social Foundation aims to provide counseling services and encourage individuals to seek help when facing mental health challenges like anxiety, stress, depression etc.

This initiative is timed especially during periods of high stress among students, notably during 10th & 12th class board exams and entrance exams for professional courses such as IIT and NEET. The campaign aims to offer support and guidance during this critical time by reaching out to cities with a high number of exam candidates. This initiative is also targeted across age group seeking motivation support.

SHB Social Foundation is a registered non-profit organization based in Pune and has been at the forefront of promoting mental wellness. Their flagship program, Listening Post, initially launched as a community initiative in 2014, has evolved into a nationwide telephonic helpline available daily between 4 pm to 8 pm. Trained volunteers offer a safe space for callers, providing guidance and support through active listening.

Commenting on the partnership, Anoop Bali, Whole Time Director and Chief Financial Officer of TFCI said, “We are proud to collaborate with SHB Social Foundation to address the pressing issue of mental health awareness. Through this partnership, we aim to provide essential support to individuals in need and promote a culture of openness and understanding surrounding mental health challenges. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.”

Ms. Janaki Visvanath, Director SHB Social Foundation said, “Mental health issues like anxiety, stress and loneliness are common yet often overlooked in today’s society. Individuals, who are suffering due to this, do not get the attention they deserve. Prolonged isolation or depression can harm both mental and physical health. We must combat the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage seeking help when needed. We thank the Tourism Financial Corporation of India for their crucial support to us for this noble cause”.

To access the ‘Listening Post’ helpline, individuals can call 93733 39162 between 4 pm to 8 pm any day.

What will the Campaign do:

•        Increase awareness about mental health.

•        That it’s ok to seek help

•        Helpline numbers with timings

•        RJs to talk about the need for good mental health.

Cities to cover with dates of campaign:

The campaign is scheduled to take place in the following cities on the specified dates:

From March 4th to March 9th, it will be held in Delhi;

From March 18th to March 23rd in Lucknow;

From April 1st to April 6th in Kota;

From April 8th to April 13th in Hyderabad;

From April 15th to April 20th in Chennai;

From April 22nd to April 27th in Mumbai;

From April 29th to May 4th in Vizag;

From May 13th to May 18th in Bangalore;

From May 27th to June 1st in Jaipur;

From June 3rd to June 8th in Coimbatore;

From June 17th to June 22nd in Nagpur;

From July 1st to July 6th in Ahmedabad;

From July 15th to July 20th in Kanpur;

From July 29th to August 3rd in Surat;

From August 12th to August 17th in Pune.