Compassionate Kozhikode, the social welfare platform under the district administration, is looking for individuals interested in joining a dedicated panel of volunteers at the Mental Health Centre here.
As of now, the centre has a capacity to cater to 474 patients, but the number is often much more. Most of the patients have not had any connection with the outer world for years. The staff of the centre, some well wishers who make occasional visits, and the dedicated volunteers are their only connection to the world outside.
Already there are more than 100 volunteers helping out in whatever way they can for the smooth running of the centre. They include people from all walks of life like teachers, students, lawyers, engineers, businessmen and other professionals, who find time amid their busy schedule to serve the patients here.
Some of the volunteers help organise cultural activities for the patients while some others hold workshops and training sessions for them. They also help in tracing the families of those patients who do not speak Malayalam. A large majority of the volunteers help out in the kitchen.
The kitchen at the centre has undergone a complete transformation of late due to the involvement of these volunteers, who stepped in to solve the scarcity of kitchen staff. For a long time, the menu at the centre had only wheat dishes. But now, traditional Kerala dishes have been included in it, as the cooks have enough help.
The kitchen helps are required at the centre from 9 a.m. to noon. Now, a group of youngsters are taking turns to fill in the roles. The translators turn up during day while the artistes perform in the evening. Their efforts have bettered the condition of the inmates.
Those who are interested may contact the Project Cell of Compassionate Kozhikode on the phone 9847736000.
