<p>A counselling centre in Jayanagar has won an award for distinguished service.</p>.<p>Vishwas Society for Mental Health received The Elsa Cares Award, instituted by The Alumni of Lady Sriram College, Delhi. The award includes a grant of Rs 50,000. </p>.<p>Ramesh Venkateswaran, founder and chairman, says, “Kamla, my wife and co-founder of Vishwas, is an alumna of the college.”</p>.<p>Over 30 years, the NGO has helped 17,000 people, 100 of them since June 2020.</p>.<p>In 1991, a group got together to support cancer patients and their families.</p>.<p>“We wanted to help people with terminal illness. Soon after, we sat down and assessed how Bengaluru was becoming a suicide hub,” says Ramesh. </p>.<p>Counselling is always a reactive process, but Vishwas actively promotes an emotionally happy Bengaluru, he explains.</p>.<p>“We believe the kind of work we do need one-on-one meetings. We opened up immediately after Unlock 1. Some of our 30 volunteers were apprehensive, but 12-14 are back,” he says. </p>.<p>Since the pandemic broke out, stress levels are higher, he says.</p>.<p>Vishwas may be contacted on 080 41154948 and 63643 20707.</p>.<p>No prior appointments are required. Vishwas is open Monday to Wednesday (4 pm to 6 pm) and Saturday (11 am to 1 pm).</p>.<p>For details, log on to www.vishwascounseling.org</p>.<p><strong>Sexual abuse cases</strong></p>.<p>A significant number among those seeking help at Vishwas talk about sexual abuse. “Often, people come with a problem at work or in a relationship, but after a few sessions, open up about sexual abuse,” says Ramesh.</p>.<p><strong>Three principles</strong></p>.<p>* Keep counselling free</p>.<p>* Work with volunteers</p>.<p>* Ensure confidentiality</p>
<p>A counselling centre in Jayanagar has won an award for distinguished service.</p>.<p>Vishwas Society for Mental Health received The Elsa Cares Award, instituted by The Alumni of Lady Sriram College, Delhi. The award includes a grant of Rs 50,000. </p>.<p>Ramesh Venkateswaran, founder and chairman, says, “Kamla, my wife and co-founder of Vishwas, is an alumna of the college.”</p>.<p>Over 30 years, the NGO has helped 17,000 people, 100 of them since June 2020.</p>.<p>In 1991, a group got together to support cancer patients and their families.</p>.<p>“We wanted to help people with terminal illness. Soon after, we sat down and assessed how Bengaluru was becoming a suicide hub,” says Ramesh. </p>.<p>Counselling is always a reactive process, but Vishwas actively promotes an emotionally happy Bengaluru, he explains.</p>.<p>“We believe the kind of work we do need one-on-one meetings. We opened up immediately after Unlock 1. Some of our 30 volunteers were apprehensive, but 12-14 are back,” he says. </p>.<p>Since the pandemic broke out, stress levels are higher, he says.</p>.<p>Vishwas may be contacted on 080 41154948 and 63643 20707.</p>.<p>No prior appointments are required. Vishwas is open Monday to Wednesday (4 pm to 6 pm) and Saturday (11 am to 1 pm).</p>.<p>For details, log on to www.vishwascounseling.org</p>.<p><strong>Sexual abuse cases</strong></p>.<p>A significant number among those seeking help at Vishwas talk about sexual abuse. “Often, people come with a problem at work or in a relationship, but after a few sessions, open up about sexual abuse,” says Ramesh.</p>.<p><strong>Three principles</strong></p>.<p>* Keep counselling free</p>.<p>* Work with volunteers</p>.<p>* Ensure confidentiality</p>
