Connecting NGO

Connecting NGO We are committed to the cause of suicide prevention and mental health! Ours is a volunteer run organization.

To register for the Women's Day event on March 9, 'Celebrating Women - Caring For Her Mind':

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJLBKghOVqA3IX7lWCaUVS40h8iu2kYNOT 'Every Life Counts"
Connecting TRUST was formed in July 2005 by a group of concerned citizens under the guidance of Arnavaz Damania. The group has a fervent desire to extend support to those experiencing emotional distress. Several trained volunteers contribute their time and effort to the cause, making it possible for Connecting TRUST to expand both the scope as well as the reach of its work in the field of Suicide Prevention. DISTRESS HELPLINE
The helpline is for those in emotional distress or feeling suicidal, provides a space where the volunteer listens to the caller in an accepting, non-judgemental and non-advisory way, maintaining confidentiality and anonymity. It is open from 10 am to 8 pm on all days

OUTREACH PROGRAMME
The Outreach Programmes are for sensitizing one to issues related to Emotional Awareness and Suicide – how to identify signs of stress, distress or feeling suicidal; how to help someone feeling suicidal; how to care for someone who has had a suicide loss. These activity-based programmes of about 50-60 minutes, conducted for children, adolescents and adults at schools, colleges, corporate companies, housing societies, slums, NGOs, and other community setups are adapted to the needs of the group and facilitated by volunteers. PEER EDUCATION PROGRAMME
The Peer Education Programme is for creating caring communities in schools, colleges and other community setups by raising awareness about suicide prevention in a peer group. In this long-term programme, volunteers facilitate the process of sensitization of a select group of participants from a community to issues related to suicide prevention, and enhancement of their listening, self care and life skills. The participants (’peer educators’) then become the catalysts for spreading this awareness and empowering their communities. The regular meetings of peer educators in each community are guided and facilitated by a dedicated set of volunteers for that community. SUICIDE SURVIVOR SUPPORT PROGRAMME
We offer individual emotional support to anyone who has attempted suicide and survived or has lost someone to Suicide, individually through our SSP helpline service, and through Listening Circles for group support. VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Connecting TRUST tries to meet the existing gap of the dearth of the mental health professionals by training people from all walks of life. When volunteers join in from all walks of life, it represents a joining in from all sections of society towards the cause or providing emotional support to people in distress and suicide prevention.

As the new year began, with renewed energy we continued with the facilitation of awareness sessions at Karunya Care Cent...
05/03/2026

As the new year began, with renewed energy we continued with the facilitation of awareness sessions at Karunya Care Centre.

Caregivers, who are trained here, find it important to learn about emotions as their work revolves around offering empathy, care and emotional support to others, on a daily basis.

With our awareness sessions, we hold space for them to share their emotions, experiences, and distresses.

As they feel safe, they share their vulnerabilities and deepest thoughts and emotional pain.

So, in these sessions they not only become aware about emotions and su***de but also find a safe space to share their lived experiences.

***deprevention

04/03/2026

The ups and downs in life can leave us flustered and wanting to find ways to stay calm.

In our everyday life, we can have moments when we feel low and anxious. There can be extended phases when we are distressed.

Let’s start small...

A simple grounding practice in our daily life can help us connect with the present moment.

A small step towards finding calm, even if just for a few seconds in a day.

***deprevention

On World Self-harm Awareness Day today (March 1), let’s try to make ourselves aware about self-harm and how we can help ...
01/03/2026

On World Self-harm Awareness Day today (March 1), let’s try to make ourselves aware about self-harm and how we can help someone who is self-harming.

The first thing we all can do is be empathetic and understanding towards people who are emotionally distressed.

It’s when someone is going through extreme stress that they turn to self-harm as a way of coping with their emotional pain.

Let’s work towards reducing stigma around this sensitive issue, and encourage open communication and understanding about self-harming behaviours and mental health at large.

***deprevention

She was always told strength meant enduring.So, she endured - the noise, pressure and the silent expectations.Until one ...
25/02/2026

She was always told strength meant enduring.
So, she endured - the noise, pressure and the silent expectations.

Until one day, She chose a different kind of strength : to sit with her thoughts, to honour her tiredness, to care for the unseen weight she carried.

Today, celebrate the woman who dares to tend to her own mind - not loudly, not publicly, but in quiet, necessary ways. Because healing is not a retreat from strength, it is its most honest form.

To register for the event, click the link in bio.

Please note: Registration is free but mandatory.

***deprevention

24/02/2026

When someone is having suicidal thoughts, if you observe closely, you will see they are giving warning signs.

Please take these signs seriously. People who are thinking about su***de may show warning signs including physical changes, behavioural changes, the way they talk, or changes in their feelings.

These are some of the physical changes that may appear in a person who is highly distressed or feeling suicidal.

If you notice these suicidal warning signs in someone, and may not know how to offer help, feel free to talk to us.

***deprevention

At the KEM hospital, we facilitated two different sessions for the nursing staff recently. In the first session, there w...
20/02/2026

At the KEM hospital, we facilitated two different sessions for the nursing staff recently.

In the first session, there were around 22 nurses. Starting with grounding, the session focussed on emotional awareness. Later different emotions and their effect on our overall physical and mental health were explored. Slowly and sensitively, the session culminated into the bursting point activity.

There were around 19 participants in the second session. The breathing exercise at the beginning helped create a calm and safe environment. Gently, the topic of su***de was explored, with each participant showing deep involvement. Everyone became overwhelmed and wanted to share their emotions and thoughts. Offering compassionate presence and empathy, each of them was offered a safe space to share their deepest emotions and vulnerabilities.

As we reach out to more people, who need a safe space to express their emotional pain and distress, we feel grateful to them for trusting us.

***deprevention

We may not always know what to say to someone who is feeling low or is emotionally distressed. But we can create a safe ...
18/02/2026

We may not always know what to say to someone who is feeling low or is emotionally distressed.

But we can create a safe space for them and offer gentle support in our own ways.

If you find a friend, colleague or family member going through a difficult time, you can say these simple statements to them to let them know you are with them.

Suspending our judgements, we can offer them our compassionate presence.

***deprevention

16/02/2026

Our principles provide the framework within which we offer emotional support to those who are emotionally distressed, feeling suicidal, have lost loved one to su***de, witnessed su***de, or have attempted su***de.

If you are feeling emotionally distressed, please feel free to talk to us.

We offer non-judgemental, non-advisory, and confidential listening service.

***deprevention

14/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day, let’s reflect on self-love.

We asked people what self-love meant to them. And what wonderful insights they shared with us!

Each person shared their honest perspective on the subject.

It was not only interesting to listen to them but from each of them there’s something to learn.

What does self-love mean to you?

Please tell us in comments…

❤️

Recently, we facilitated two sessions on emotional awareness and su***de each for the students of Mahindra International...
12/02/2026

Recently, we facilitated two sessions on emotional awareness and su***de each for the students of Mahindra International School.

The first session on emotional awareness was for the students from grades 6 to 8. By sharing personal experiences and through activities, we slowly let the children open up.

The second session on su***de awareness was for the students from grades 9 to 12. As a safe space was created for all, the students actively engaged and shared their thoughts and emotions.

The students were from different parts of the world, and some faced language barriers too. Despite that, most of them were completely involved in the sessions.

As we reach out to diverse communities, it is a learning process for us too. Sometimes we are able to form a connection with the participants, sometimes it may be difficult.

Nonetheless, what is important is that people become aware of how essential it is to listen to someone who is emotionally distressed without judgement or advice.

May we come together to create a caring and compassionate world.

***deprevention

11/02/2026

During exam season, it is important that parents and caregivers create a support system for children to feel relaxed and confident.

Farida Pajnigar, Connecting Trust volunteer and Counselling Psychologist, shares simple things that one can do to help children stay calm in these challenging times.

If as a parent you think you would like to talk about your child or feel that your child seems stressed, please feel free to call us.

Our Distress Helpline Numbers:
9922004305 / 9922001122
(lines open daily from 10 am to 8 pm)

Walk-In:
8484033312
(Mon & Wed. 11 am to 5 pm. With prior appointment)

***deprevention

If you are feeling emotional pain, stress or are suicidal, please know we are with you. We are just a call away. We will...
06/02/2026

If you are feeling emotional pain, stress or are suicidal, please know we are with you.

We are just a call away. We will listen to you without judgement or advice.

Distress Helpline Numbers:
9922004305 / 9922001122
(lines open daily from 10 am to 8 pm)

Walk-In:
8484033312
(Mon & Wed. 11 am to 5 pm. With prior appointment)

If you are comfortable writing, email your concerns:
distressmailsconnecting@gmail.com

Address

2nd Floor, Atur Chambers, Above Coffee House, Opposite SGS Mall, Moledina Road, Pune Camp
Pune
411001

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+917058877712

Website

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Our Story

A Pune based NGO committed to the cause of su***de prevention especially among youth. Formed in July 2005 when a group of concerned and socially sensitive citizens, led by Arnavaz Damania, came together to work for this cause HELPLINE The helpline is for those in emotional distress or feeling suicidal, provides a space where the volunteer listens to the caller in an accepting, non-judgemental and non-advisory way, maintaining confidentiality and anonymity. It is open from 2.00 pm to 8.00 pm on all days AWARENESS PROGRAMME The Awareness Programmes are for sensitizing one to issues related to su***de – how to identify signs of stress, distress or feeling suicidal; how to help someone feeling suicidal; how to care for someone who has had a su***de loss. The programmes also impart knowledge about simple ways for coping, healing and personal growth. These activity-based programmes of about 3 hours, conducted for children, adolescents and adults at schools, colleges, corporates, housing societies, slums, NGOs, and other community setups are adapted to the needs of the group and facilitated by volunteers. PEER EDUCATORS PROGRAMME The Peer Educators Programmes are for creating caring communities in schools, colleges and other community setups by raising awareness about su***de prevention in a peer group. In this long-term programme, volunteers facilitate the process of sensitization of a select group of participants from a community to issues related to su***de prevention, and enhancement of their listening, self care and life skills. The participants (’peer educators’) then become the catalysts for spreading this awareness and empowering their communities. The regular meetings of peer educators in each community are guided and facilitated by a dedicated set of volunteers for that community. SURVIVOR SUPPORT We offer individual emotional support to anyone who has attempted su***de and survived through our helpline service, and group support for wellbeing through our Art Based Recovery/Wellness Group that meets weekly. In addition, there is support through discussions and workshops on coping skills and personal growth available. Capacity Building Programmes for professionals working in the field of mental health. Discussion Groups aimed at enhancing self-awareness, ensuring personal growth and becoming empowered to deal with a variety of issues concerning human and social life. Personal Growth Programmes: Workshops for personal growth and healing are conducted and are open for all to attend