A mental health hotline for the Khoja community is being set up to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is one of a series of World Federation initiatives to promote mental wellbeing and help vulnerable people.
Empathetic listeners
The crisis line will be staffed by a team of empathetic listeners able to offer confidential support.
Their role will not be to give advice or to “solve” issues, and no medical or legal advice will be given.
They will, however, be able to help callers generate their own ideas for action and direct them to community resources if appropriate.
Trained volunteers
Trained volunteers will be drawn from members of our community experienced in mental health services or in communication by phone.
The hotline is planned to launch in mid-April.
Mental Health Strategy
The initiative is part of the Mental Health Strategy drawn up by The World Federation’s COVID-19 Task Force.
The WF and its Jamaats recognize the needs of vulnerable individuals and are committed to them.
Regional resources
Another initiative underway is the compiling of regional lists of mental health, domestic abuse, refugee and substance abuse resources.
Vulnerable populations within our community include, but are not limited to:
- The reality of women facing domestic abuse within our communities.
- Needs of people with disabilities who may require assistance for basic needs.
- New refugees, low-income individuals, people with severe trauma.
- People with substance-use disorders and existing mental health issues that are known to the community.
Using these resources lists we will be able to direct those in need to local shelters, resources and hotlines that are better equipped to address their needs. Jamaats will also be running their own local initiatives to address their vulnerable populations.
Read about mental health support for front-line providers here.