A new Befrienders centre was launched in Muar recently and it is the eighth centre in operation after the set-up of other centres in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu.
Chairman of this centre Ananda Ma said that currently they have fifteen volunteers who would seek to alleviate misery, loneliness and depression by listening to those who felt they have no one to turn to and who were in need of someone who could understand and accept them.
The Muar centre’s helpline service operating hours are from 8pm to 11pm daily, seven days a week. The helpline number is 06-9520313.
President of the National Council of Befrienders Malaysia Gangadara Vadivel Sinnadurai said that there is a need for more Brfrienders centres in Malaysia, especially in major towns.
He further stressed that suicide rates among teenagers and young adults and senior citizens over 65 years was on the rise.
He said any interest groups who are keen to set up a Befrienders centre can contact him and proper training and guidance will be provided.
They can be contacted at 03-79568144/45, email: [email protected].
Visit Befienders website for more information.