Text and image Edwien Bodjie
PARAMARIBO — “This is a direct line to someone who listens when life feels too heavy to bear alone. It’s really meant for crisis situations.” Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor André Misiekaba said this on Friday at the launch of the new crisis helpline 114. The launch took place at the ministry on Rode Kruislaan.
The helpline is intended for people who are in an acute psychological or social emergency and need immediate support. According to the minister, this is more than a technical facility. The line should provide a safe gateway for anyone struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts, domestic violence and other personal crises. “It takes courage to seek help. We want to make that step easier,” he said.
“The need is great as is evident from the number of calls received before the official launch”
The helpline was set up under the responsibility of the Psychiatric Center Suriname (PCS), in collaboration with various partners, including PAHO/WHO, Mind Matters Foundation Suriname, Rotary Club Paramaribo Central, OX88 IT Solutions, Telesur, the Women’s Rights Center and the Suriname Police Department, Domestic Violence department. The service is free, confidential and anonymous.
Broad approach to mental and social problems
Deputy Minister Raj Jadnansingh placed the introduction of 114 within a broader approach to social and mental issues. He pointed out that problems such as domestic violence, addiction and psychological distress are often interrelated. “Those who are in an unsafe situation for a long time can ultimately end up in a crisis. That is why we must approach these challenges together and integrally,” he said.
He indicated that a conscious decision had been made for a more robust structure than previous initiatives. A helpline already existed in the past, but it could not be continued sustainably due to technical and organizational bottlenecks. According to him, the new 114 line has trained counselors and better support from specialized organizations.
Phased introduction
The helpline will be introduced in phases. In the initial phase, the line will be available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Outside these times, we collaborate with emergency number 115, so that shelter is always available. The goal is to eventually grow to a 24-hour service.
The fact that the need is great is evident from the number of calls received before the official launch. Hundreds of conversations were already registered at that time. According to Jadnansingh, this shows that there is a need for an accessible place where people can go in times of need.
PAHO/WHO representative Yafflo Ouattara reflected on the silent struggle that many people wage every day. He gave the example of a woman who struggled with anxiety and depression, but did not seek help out of shame. “Her story is no exception. Many live with invisible pain,” he said.
The helpline is intended to break that silence. Anonymity and accessibility significantly lower the threshold for seeking help. “This song makes it clear that support is not a luxury, but something everyone is entitled to,” said Ouattara.
A demonstration of the operation of the helpline was also given during the launch. Minister Misiekaba symbolically made a telephone call, simulating an emergency situation. Based on the severity of the situation, he was referred to emergency number 115, which illustrated the cooperation between the different services.
The minister called on society to actively share the song. Not only people in crisis themselves, but also family members, friends or concerned bystanders can contact us. “Sometimes it is someone from the area who takes the first step and calls for help,” he said.
