No calls registered to date on SNYC helpline |17 January 2024

The helpline of the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC), launched on November 29, 2023, is yet to receive a call, according to the council.

The number 2725725 was launched as a pilot project to provide young people a safe and accessible platform to receive free psychosocial support and information, through immediate 7/7 basic counselling and referral services via telephone calls, text and WhatsApp.

It followed a rapid increase in mental health issues such as suicide, self-harm, bullying and relationships which were challenging and required understanding from professionals. It targets those aged between 15 and 35 years.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION yesterday, SNYC’s information and communication officer, Marie-May Larue, said to date they are yet to receive a call from young people seeking the daily service, which runs from 6pm to midnight.

SNYC does not know why young people are not accessing the service but is now taking a new approach to promote the helpline.

It is initiating an intensive awareness campaign in all educational institutions and the media. “We intend to do an outreach programme so that the helpline will gain more popularity and the youth will be more aware of it,” said Ms Larue.

The initial plan for the pilot project was to review it at the end of January 2024, record client information, which will be used to identify services and needs of callers, and maintain an up-to-date caller log and mental health services registry.

Anika Cathene/SNYC press release