'Chiri' making children smile; 59,630 calls so far to counselling project for resolving mental struggle of children

Thursday 04 July, 2024 | 12:56 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

KOZHIKODE: 59,630 children were relieved when the police smiled heartily in the face of the children's gloom that they had no one to share their grief with. These many calls have been received till the 1st of this month to the 'Chiri' (smile) online counselling project jointly developed by the Student Police Cadet, Our Responsibility to Children and the Child Friendly Police to resolve the mental struggle of children.

While 15,819 children called to resolve conflict, 43,811 calls were for knowing 'chiri' and having a friendly conversation. More calls came from Thiruvananthapuram - 5,946, less from Kasaragod - 2681. Most of them are children from seven to plus two. Calls increase during exam period. The officers of the respective police stations will personally come and resolve the complaints such as parental quarrels and drug use by family members. Parents are also calling 'chiri'.

What is 'Chiri'?

A help desk that works to de-escalate children's conflict and help them in times of crisis. Chiri started in July 2020. Counseling is conducted by counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, elder mentors, and peer mentors. ASP is the nodal officer in the districts. The call details will be forwarded to the district centres. Help Desk -9497900200

Those who called to Chiri

Thiruvananthapuram- 5946

Kollam- 4924

Pathanamthitta- 2688

Alappuzha-3901

Kottayam-3949

Idukki-2687

Ernakulam- 4450

Thrissur- 4805

Palakkad- 3633

Malappuram- 5161

Kozhikode- 5453