Nationwide Emotional Support

"Across 14 centers, our volunteers provide thousands of hours of confidential support annually—one conversation at a time."

About Befrienders Initiative

(A Network of Compassion Since 2003)

Befrienders Initiative (formerly Befrienders India) unites 14 independent centers across India under the Befrienders Worldwide network. Our trained volunteers provide confidential emotional support to those experiencing distress, isolation, or emotional pain.

Our Mission

"To alleviate emotional distress through empathetic, non-judgmental listening in communities across India."

Local volunteers offering free, anonymous support

Center-specific contact channels (phone/email/in-person*)

Services available in regional languages

Our Approach

Confidentiality

No names recorded • No call tracing

Active Listening

Volunteers trained to listen—not advise

Accessibility

Flexible hours tailored to local needs

Sustainability

Community-supported and volunteer-driven

Our Values

To give a person the opportunity to explore feelings which can cause distress

To give a person the opportunity to be listened to, in confidence, anonymously, without prejudice

To give value that a person has the fundamental decision about their own life

Vision

Our vision is to contribute to a society where suicide is understood both locally and globally, leading to fewer deaths by

Our Work in
Emotional Support

Volunteer Training

Rigorous 50-hour program following global protocols

Focus on listening skills and emotional first aid

Ongoing mentorship at each center

Community Presence

Awareness sessions in colleges/communities

Distribution of mental wellbeing materials

Participation in World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10)

Global Connection

Accredited member of Befrienders Worldwide

Knowledge exchange with 350+ centers globally

Listed in the Global Support Directory

Our Centers / Helpline Numbers

Ahmedabad

Saath Suicide Prevention Centre
Helpline: 7926305544, 7926300222
Working Hours: 01:00 PM to 07:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Hindi, Gujarati

Kochi/Cochin

Maithri
Helpline: 0484 2540530
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Malayalam

Trivandrum / Thiruvananthapuram

Sanjeevani
Helpline: 0471 2533900, 9400033900
Working Hours: 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM — Monday to Saturday
Languages: English, Malayalam

Chennai

Sneha Foundation
Helpline: 044 24640050
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Tamil

Pune

Connecting Trust
Helpline: 9922001122, 9922004305
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi

Kolkata

Lifeline Foundation
Helpline: 9088030303, 9163940404
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Hindi, Bengali

Goa

COOJ Mental Health Foundation
Helpline: 063 61612525
Working Hours: 01:00 PM to 07:00 PM — Monday to Friday
Languages: English, Konkani

Hyderabad

Roshini
Helpline: 040 66202000, 8142020033, 8142020044
Working Hours: 11:00 AM to 09:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Hindi, Telugu

Jamshedpur

'Jeevan' Suicide Prevention Centre
Helpline: 9297777499, 9297777500, 9955435500
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Hindi

Erode

Nesam
Helpline: 0424 2220022
Working Hours: 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: Tamil

Mumbai

Ankahee Helpline
Helpline: 8655486966
Working Hours: 04:00 PM to 10:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi

New Delhi

Sumaitri
Helpline: 011 46018404, 9315767849
Working Hours: 12:30 PM to 05:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Hindi

Kozhikode/Calicut

Thanal Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Research Centre
Helpline: 0495 2760000, 9495714262, 7306509594
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM — Everyday
Languages: English, Malayalam