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Description
The Women''s Helpline (WHL) has been operating for more than 16 years and has branches in Klaipeda, Kaunas and Vilnius. However, it still is able to answer only every second call for emotional support. This is due to insufficient number of volunteers available, line operating time, awareness of the line so that those seeking for emotional support could reach it at any time of the day. Project is aimed at expanding the emotional support provided by the WHL volunteers by phone and online and promoting the idea of volunteering.
Project target groups: WHL volunteers; individuals seeking help from WHL; adult members of society able to get engaged in volunteering.
Activities envisaged in the project are designed at increasing the availability and visibility of the emotional support provided by the WHL. Through social informational campaigns the project will encourage the country''s citizens to get involved in voluntary activity providing emotional support, which is in line with the general goals of the APF Program. In that way, the project strengthens the education of civil society and its values.
Moreover, by training more volunteers and extending the working hours of the WHL, accessibility of emotional support increases. Raising the competencies of volunteers ensures the quality of provided help, psycho-hygiene of a volunteer. The activities of the project will also contribute to dealing with the problem of gender-based violence, increasing access to assistance for people with disabilities, those, experiencing psychological crises, at risk of suicide, what would be in line with the general objectives of the APF Program to empower vulnerable groups.
Summary of project results
You can!" activities were aimed at increasing the availability and visibility of emotional support, attracting new volunteers, training and capacity building.
The target groups were PML volunteers, people who turn to PML for help, and adult who can get involved in volunteering. Activities implemented: publicity activities (information campaigns on social networks, TV, public transport), creation of podcasts, development of the programme, training (6), volunteer support, AAG, workshops (2), development of a communication and strategic plan.
This has generally strengthened the PML activities, increased the visibility, the reach of emotional support, encouraged people to get involved in volunteering, enhanced the quality of the support provided, the psychological well-being of the volunteers and their motivation. Overall, PML has become a more visible line with strong internal PML communication within each partner and cooperation between them. This was ensured by a close partnership.