Lifeline Foundation: A Beacon of Hope in the Fight Against Suicide and Depression
Suicide and depression represent some of the most tragic crises facing humanity today. Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide globally. In India, this distressing trend has been on the rise. National records indicate that approximately 140,000 people ended their lives in 2019, equating to nearly 400 suicides daily.
The reasons for this widespread tragedy are multifaceted and have been exacerbated by the global pandemic. Contributing factors include career anxiety, workplace and financial instability, domestic violence, academic stress, failed relationships, peer pressure, paranoia, anger, acute loneliness, illness, and age-related disabilities. The ultimate trigger for suicide often stems from acute hopelessness, where individuals feel they have no one to talk to, and no one to understand their profound pain. Even when they find someone willing to listen, they often feel judged and misunderstood, sometimes leading to devastating consequences.
This is where we, at Lifeline Foundation, play a critical role. For the past 28 years, Lifeline Foundation has been dedicated to suicide prevention, providing emotional support to individuals experiencing depression, distress, and suicidal thoughts through our telephone helplines. We are affiliated with Befrienders Worldwide, a U.K. organization, and our volunteers are professionally trained based on their international guidelines.
Operating 365 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., our center in Kolkata handles calls from across India. Our volunteers speak Hindi, English, and Bengali, offering empathetic, understanding, and patient listening without judgment. We maintain complete confidentiality and our services are free of charge. Our goal is to emotionally support and empower every caller.
If you, a family member, or a friend is feeling emotionally drained or experiencing a dark, depressive, distressed, or suicidal state, please reach out to Lifeline at +919163940404 and +919088030303. Life always deserves a second chance, and we are here to help. #ReachOut #Don’tGiveUP #LifeIs Precious
Every day, countless individuals silently struggle with feelings of despair, anxiety, and pain. “Suicide is not a wish to die; it is a call for help.” At Lifeline Foundation, we have been answering that call since 1996, working as West Bengal’s only nonprofit focused solely on suicide prevention.
Our tele-helplines operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing free, confidential, and non-judgmental support for those feeling distressed, depressed, or suicidal. In addition to crisis support, we run comprehensive mental health awareness programs across schools, colleges, and organizations, working with Kolkata Police, Metro Railway, paramilitary forces, correctional homes, and other NGOs to break the stigma surrounding suicide.
In 2023, we also launched a support group for suicide survivors and families affected by the loss of a loved one. Each day, our dedicated volunteers – trained to meet international standards set by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and affiliated with Befrienders Worldwide – offer empathy, understanding, and patient listening to those in need.
This essential work depends on the generosity of people like you. Your donation will help us cover the costs of daily operations, such as running our crisis helplines, managing our office, printing and distributing materials, and organizing awareness programs. With your support, we can expand our reach and save more lives.
Some of our recent projects include:
With your help, we can continue to grow these programs and provide a safe space for individuals facing mental health struggles.
Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can create a supportive community that listens, helps, and empowers.
Thank you for standing with us.
With sincere gratitude,
Lifeline Foundation
Help us raise funds for our specific needs.
Project Name | Project Description | Donate |
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School Outreach Program - Adamas School | Presentation on Mental Health for Sr. students | |
Rural Outreach Program - Barunhat Govt. High School and Swapnopuran Welfare society, Taki - Sunderbans | Rural Outreach Program - Barunhat Govt. High School and Swapnopuran Welfare society, Taki - Sunderbans | |
Suicide Prevention Crisis Helpline | Operating 365 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., our center in Kolkata handles calls from across India. Our volunteers speak Hindi, English, and Bengali, offering empathetic, understanding, and patient listening without judgment. We maintain complete confidentiality and our services are free of charge. Our goal is to emotionally support and empower every caller. | |
\"Yes! To Life!\" awareness walk | On 8th September 2024, in collaboration with the Lions Club. At 08:00 AM, participants embarked from Lions Children’s Corner to Lions Safari Park in Kolkata. The walk concluded with a powerful street play, focused on the everyday struggles people face, such as financial hardships, mental health challenges, relationship issues, and domestic violence. It offered insights into how individuals can seek help and support, underscoring the importance of mental well-being. | |
Because You Matter programme in collaboration with Pronam, Kolkata | On 10th September 2024, Lifeline Foundation hosted the \"Because You Matter\" programme at the Friendship Center, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata, welcoming members of Pronam, a community for senior citizens. The event, dedicated to raising mental health awareness among senior citizens, featured distinguished guests like Dr. Jay Ranjan Ram, eminent psychiatrist from Apollo Hospitals, and Ms. Esha Dutta, Joint Convenor of Pronam. | |
School Outreach Program - Indus Valley World School (Kolkata) | Presentation on Mental Health for Sr. students | |
School Outreach Program - The New Horizon High School (Barisha) | Presentation on Mental Health for Sr. students | |
School Outreach Program - Janakalyan Vidyapith for Girls (Barisha) | Presentation on Mental Health for Sr. students |