This project aims to train 60 crisis lifeline support workers over the next 12 months and provide more support during the 2020 Olympics. Youth suicides in Japan increased by almost 6% last year, with the leading cause being school issues, such as bullying. Your donation will help change lives by allowing more youth in crisis access support when they need it, helping vulnerable kids to reach their full potential. Saving lives takes a community working together, will you help be a part of ours?
The stigma surrounding mental illness is greater in Japan than in many other countries, which leads to a high number of suicides. Suicide is the end result of a treatable mental illness, but many people do not seek help. Most hide their illness and feel ashamed to talk about it. They die alone, feeling like a failure and a burden. This is especially true for young people. Having a space to talk confidentially about your struggles can mean the difference between life and death.
Providing support in a medium that young people are comfortable with is essential. Young people prefer to engage via chat than traditional phone lifeline services. We are seeking to expand our online chat service hours during the 2020 Olympics to reach more people under pressure and in distress. To do this we need more volunteers. With more volunteers, we will be able to offer our chat service across more nights of the week and connect those in crisis with services and support.
Expansion of our chat service during the 2020 Olympics will allow us to support more young people who are at risk. Most youths are in crisis when they reach out. We not only offer them immediate support but also connect them with professional help and resources. More young people will be able to find help and to access the services they need, which will ultimately lead to fewer suicides in Japan and greater mental well-being among young people. Working together, zero suicides are possible.
