The recent spate of suicides in the metropolis has encouraged NGOs and telcos to come up with a “hopeline” service.
The Natasha Goulborn Foundation has sought a partnership with local carrier Globe Telecoms to establish a hotline where depressed people, their friends or family members, can seek assistance and professional help. By doing this, the foundation, which has worked actively with crisis intervention centers for many years, hopes that the number of suicides can be prevented.
Globe Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Rob Nazal said they want to drum up public awareness on the availability of a hopeline. The line will not only help those with depression issues or suicidal tendencies, but also educate friends and family members.
According to the Philippine Star, the hopeline number is 0917-588-HOPE (4673). A toll-free number 2919 for Globe and TM subscribers will be operational by late March.
