Dignity Foundation is back, after a long lull. The not-for-profit organisation working for the elderly is starting its second innings with a re-launch of its helpline service, with a new number 044-26210363.
The helpline, which is manned by four volunteers including a senior citizen from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will process various requests by seniors.
While issues such as elder abuse and psychological and emotional counselling have been its focus areas, the Foundation is now also ready to run errands for seniors. “Last week, we had a call from a senior citizen who needed a plumber to repair a leaky tap. Another caller wanted help in linking his Aadhar number with his ration card,” said Felista Jose, manager, Chennai Chapter of Dignity Foundation. Through trained counsellors, Dignity Foundation provides psychological and emotional support as well as strategies for coping with difficult circumstances.
According to a release, Dignity handles over 11,000 distress calls in a year across Mumbai and other cities. Around 300 volunteers work on issues that are received through the helpline.
In Chennai, the Foundation has over 280 volunteers. For them, it organises a monthly meet over breakfast or lunch.
At their service
Helpline service offered by groups working for the elderly have always been in demand. HelpAge India, for instance, recently launched an ‘SOS App’ to offer emergency service for seniors in the event of abuse or an accident. “Our regular toll free helpline 1800 180 1253 gets 10 to 15 calls every day from Chennai alone and through the App, we get another 20 calls from the state,” says Muthukumar, senior manager — Helpline, HelpAge India. The NGO also works with the police where calls to the elders’ helpline 1253 are directed to them.
Last month, the Senior Citizens Bureau launched its website www.seniorcitizensbureau.org that would serve as a platform to communicate with members.
Its ‘Talk to your granny’, a phone-only initiative with students of Ethiraj College for Women, has also started functioning. “We have 25 seniors who have signed up for the initiative. As this would involve verifying the whereabouts of the person, we give preference to our members and then, to other seniors,” said M. Singaraja of the Senior Citizen Bureau, adding that NSS students of the college are roped in as volunteers.
For details, call Dignity Foundation at 26210363 HelpAge India at 1800 180 1253/ 1253
