Befriending Services

Maithri, Kochi can be contacted by a distressed person through a direct visit or telephone or letters. The responses from Maithri's volunteers are termed "Befriending" and are intended to support the caller who could be in danger of taking his/her own life. No prior appointments are required and no fees accepted. The anonymity of the person who contacted is protected.  All interactions related to Befriending, including policies regarding confidentiality and anonymity, are governed by Samaritans International's  Eight-point Charter of Befriending.

Befriending is the offering of friendship by one ordinary human being to another at a time of crisis or loneliness. Learn more about Befriending. 

Visit Befriending: A volunteer receives a person visiting Maithri. The caller is free to unburden and ventilate feelings to the volunteer. He/She is not required to reveal identity either. The caller receives undivided attention and uncritical acceptance.

Telephone Befriending:  Any person wanting to talk to Maithri can contact Maithri over the telephone also. The call will be received by a volunteer willing to spend as much time  as the caller wants.  Maithri keeps all such conversations confidential. The caller is not required to reveal his/her identity or disclose his contact telephone numbers. Any person wanting to collect information about any other matter related to the services offered by the organization is advised to contact the Director.

Letter Befriending:  Those who do not prefer to visit Maithri or talk over the telephone can write letters  for ventilating their feelings. A caller's letter is given the same care and respect accorded to personal visits or telephone calls. Maithri will send a reply as soon as possible, usually within one day. In order to enable Maithri to send a reply, the caller's address must be available in the first letter. Maithri keeps all such correspondence confidential.