The psychosocial well-being of an individual includes both psychological and social well-being. Early and adequate psychosocial first aid support can help avert distress developing into something more severe; can help individuals to cope up better and become reconciled to everyday life. Psycho-Social First Aid (PSFA) is humane assistance to support fellow human beings who have recently suffered a seriously stressful situation. It is non-intrusive and offers practical care to those in need. 

The Voice That Cares Helpline is available to anyone in India. In these unprecedented times, we are here for you. No matter what you are feeling, our trained PSFA counsellors are here to listen to you without being judgemental. 

When you call the Voice That Cares Helpline, you can expect:

• To speak to a trained PSFA counsellor 
• A space to vent feelings on any issues in a relaxed, confidential, and non-judgmental atmosphere
• A reference to an expert who can help

Currently, the helpline is operational in English and Hindi but soon will be scaled to other regional languages.

The Helpline is staffed by over 150 trained PSFA counsellors and backed by an advisory panel consisting of senior psychologists/psychiatrists who will monitor the operations and guide the team.

The Voice That Cares Helpline is designed for short-term support. You may feel relieved and helped after just one conversation! If not, you may call the helpline again. However, If you need ongoing support, our PSFA counsellors will help connect you with relevant institutions that can provide you with such support.

When you call the helpline, you will be hearing a recorded message that explains how our Helpline can support you. After this message and as per the option you select, you will be connected with one of our trained PSFA counsellors. The PSFA counsellor might ask what would you like to talk about and follow up with some questions about your concern so they can start to understand your situation. You will be asked your name and a brief description of yourself such as state, profession, etc. You need not disclose anything that you are uncomfortable sharing.

This can happen sometimes! Phone or network issues can occasionally get in the way. If this happens, please try contacting us again so we can help you.

While you are waiting to get connected to our PSFA Trained counsellor, here are a few things that you may like to consider such as: What issue or concern are you wanting to talk about? Can you come up with some examples which may help describe when you started facing your problem? If there is anything you have tried so far to fix your issue or make the situation better? If you have an outcome or goal in mind that you want to achieve by the end of the phone session? 

Absolute confidentiality is assured, except where required by law. Our trained PSFA counsellors are aware of the importance of confidentiality and are sensitive to ethical confidentiality requirements.

Our helpline generates reporting of pure statistical data that shows how many people accessed the Voice That Cares helpline, and metadata for better service delivery. No names or personal details are shared in this reporting.

It’s alright. No matter what it is – maybe you need advice on managing isolation during the COVID-19, or how to navigate the ups and downs of work, self-care tips, – big or small, if you feel you could benefit from a conversation with a trained PSFA counsellor, the Voice That Cares Helpline is for you.

Some problems require more support than our Voice That Cares helpline can provide. Our trained PSFA counsellors will usually be able to refer you to other services if appropriate.

Some of the Don’ts includes:

• Don’t assume that all your issues and concerns will be solved in a single phone session. Some issues may be serious and require medical or long-term intervention.
• Don’t give up responsibility for your issue. Telling the PSFA counsellor your issues does not automatically make it their responsibility to fix them.
• Don’t ask for advice: The purpose of PSFA support is to empower you to get clarity and find your ways or skills to deal with your challenges, and not for the PSFA counsellors to offer their solutions to your problems.
• Don’t get abusive or misuse the helpline.
• Don’t call “just for friendly chat” – The PSFA counsellor is a professional or volunteer who is offering their time to support individuals in distress. It is essential to maintain the formality of the relationship. Calling the helpline just to have a friendly conversation may hold up the line and prevent someone in a crisis from receiving timely support.
• This helpline is not a substitute for medical advice or professional help.

Currently, our Helpline service is available for India. Unfortunately, we can’t support you if you live in another country. We recommend checking out other International Helplines that can help you in your country.

Please contact vtc@rocf.org and we will respond asap.