Kaan Pete Roi

Kaan Pete Roi is an emotional support helpline in Bangladesh.

Its founders say it is the first of its kind in the country. It is staffed by trained volunteers, where people can call to receive immediate emergency counseling. The mission of the helpline is to alleviate feelings of despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among members of the community, through confidential listening. The helpline is intended for suicide prevention and the promotion of mental health.

Background
The service was founded by Yeshim Iqbal, a graduate of psychology from Cornell University currently a doctoral student at New York University who had previously worked for similar help lines abroad. After coming back to Bangladesh from United States she worked with a team of staff and volunteers. The current staff members include Rozy Hossain, Helpline Coordinator; Sawgat Mahmud, PR & Communications Coordinator; Arun Das, Volunteer Coordinator, and Rubina Jahan Rumi, Outreach Coordinator Kaan Pete Roi opened its phone lines on April 28, 2013.

Key Personnel

 * 1) Yeshim Iqbal (Founder, Director): As the visionary behind Kaan Pete Roi, Yeshim Iqbal provides strategic leadership and direction to the organization. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in mental health advocacy, Iqbal plays a pivotal role in shaping the helpline's initiatives and partnerships.
 * 2) Arun Das (Senior Manager, Helpline Operations): Arun Das oversees the day-to-day operations of the helpline, ensuring smooth functioning and timely response to caller inquiries. With a focus on volunteer coordination and resource management, Das plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and efficiency of services.
 * 3) Ashik Abdullah (Senior Manager, Training & Outreach): Ashik Abdullah leads efforts related to volunteer training and community outreach. By developing comprehensive training programs and forging partnerships with external stakeholders, Abdullah ensures that Kaan Pete Roi remains at the forefront of mental health awareness and education.
 * 4) Aysha Siddika (Senior Manager, Volunteer Management): Aysha Siddika is responsible for recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers for the helpline. By implementing best practices in volunteer management and fostering a supportive environment, Siddika ensures that Kaan Pete Roi has a dedicated team of individuals ready to provide compassionate support to callers.
 * 5) Labim Maliat, Jarin Sadia, Tahmid Anjum Nishat, Redwanul Alam Alif, Md. Jahid Hasan (Volunteer Coordinators): These volunteer coordinators work closely with Aysha Siddika to oversee the day-to-day activities of volunteers. They provide guidance, support, and mentorship to volunteers, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to fulfill their roles effectively.

Caller confidentiality
Kaan Pete Roi does not share any caller details outside the organization. The organization's policy is not to ask the callers for any information relating to their identities and all the volunteers sign a very strict confidentiality agreement. If callers involuntarily disclose traceable personal information, volunteers are strictly asked not to note down anything of that nature. Kaan Pete Roi realizes that it is often easier to seek help knowing that the callers would not be subject to any scrutiny. The volunteers are trained to make it clear that they require no information about the person but are there just to talk. This works not only to protect the caller's identity but helps him or her open up more, knowing that they can hang up anytime and not have to answer questions.

Impact and Recognition
Since its inception, Kaan Pete Roi has received over fifty-six thousand calls, highlighting its significance in suicide prevention efforts. The helpline's commitment to confidentiality and compassionate listening has garnered recognition both nationally and internationally.

Befriending Model
Central to Kaan Pete Roi 's approach is the befriending model, emphasizing empathetic and non-judgmental listening. Volunteers offer immediate emotional support through active engagement with callers, creating a safe space for them to express their concerns. While Kaan Pete Roi does not substitute professional mental health services, it serves as a crucial first point of contact for individuals in crisis.

Volunteer confidentiality
Kaan Pete Roi volunteers are asked not to disclose their own names or identities and are discouraged from forging a relationship with their callers. Office addresses are not public and individual volunteer timings are also not given out. Kaan Pete Roi goes a step further by asking their volunteers not to disclose what they do to any public media or forum.

Collaborative Approach
The management team of Kaan Pete Roi adopts a collaborative approach, fostering open communication and teamwork among staff and volunteers. Regular meetings, training sessions, and feedback mechanisms enable continuous improvement and innovation within the organization.

Commitment to Excellence
Driven by a shared commitment to excellence and compassion, the management team of Kaan Pete Roi strives to make a meaningful impact on the mental well-being of individuals in Bangladesh. Through their dedication, professionalism, and integrity, they uphold the organization's values and principles, ensuring that every caller receives the support and care they deserve.

Volunteering at Kaan Pete Roi
Volunteering at Kaan Pete Roi presents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the mental well-being of individuals in Bangladesh. Before being selected as volunteers, candidates undergo a rigorous training session, typically spanning three days, including weekends. During this training, volunteers are equipped with essential skills and knowledge on active listening, risk assessment, and communication techniques tailored to support individuals in distress, including those prone to suicide and trauma.

Training Program
The training program at Kaan Pete Roi is designed to provide volunteers with extensive practical experience and theoretical understanding of crisis intervention. Through interactive sessions and role-playing exercises, volunteers learn how to effectively engage with callers, assess the level of risk, and provide empathetic support. The training curriculum is continuously updated to incorporate the latest research and best practices in mental health support.

Volunteer Responsibilities
Upon completing the training program, volunteers commit to dedicating three hours per week to their shifts at Kaan Pete Roi. During these shifts, volunteers engage in telephone conversations with callers, offering guidance, empathy, and support. Volunteers work from the organization's office located in Lalmatia, Dhaka, ensuring a centralized and coordinated approach to service delivery.

Collaborative Environment
Volunteering at Kaan Pete Roi fosters a collaborative environment where volunteers work alongside supervisors and colleagues to provide comprehensive support to callers. Regular supervision and peer support mechanisms are in place to ensure volunteers feel empowered and supported in their roles.