Physical Health Japan Project #39412

Prevent Youth Suicides In Japan

by TELL

Project Report | Nov 30, 2020
Thank you for your support in creating brighter futures for young people!

By Kathryn Sheppard | Corporate Development Manager

TELL in Covid

Dear Friend,

In a year that none of us could have ever anticipated, TELL has been truly astounded by the way our community has stepped up in support of TELL, mental health, our programs, resources, and services. We are continually working on expanding these to meet the mental health needs of our growing community across Japan, and to prevent youth suicides. We are thrilled to report that this project has now been funded!

Like many nonprofit organizations, we changed our in-person events to individual and virtual. We were absolutely floored by the positive response we received for our Step Up for Mental Health Challenge and our 24th Annual (Online) Auction. Our gratitude is immense.

As we head towards the end of the year, the holidays, especially ones that are perhaps not going to play out as planned, will be hard for many. The last few months have already seen an increase in the suicide rates across many age groups and sectors in Japan. While we all feel the optimism that the coming year brings, it is our mission to be there, NOW, for every individual who needs someone to listen, someone to care. We ask for your continued support as we work to bring the Lifeline and Chat to young people, who need it now more than ever. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the mission and vision of TELL, and for being a part of making this project a success.

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Aug 4, 2020
TELL is Supporting, Listening & Responding

By Kathryn Sheppard | Corporate Development Manager

Dear Friend,

Throughout the COIVD-19 pandemic, TELL has been there for our community each and every day. Thanks to the amazing dedication of our volunteers, our Lifeline has maintained an incredible 100% shift coverage since February. Additionally, our clinic moved to provide teletherapy sessions for our clients & families, and our outreach division has been providing resources, information & workshops to the community & businesses on how to cope and stay resilient during times of change and uncertainty. Through this journey, TELL has adapted fast and efficiently to ensure we can be there with you every step of the way.

However, there are many more in need that we have not been able to reach. While our Lifeline handled around 3000 calls & chat during this period, we have also received just as many calls on our answering machine that we have not been able to connect with. Additionally, our website received over 10,000 hits through this period mainly to our COVID-19 resource pages, highlighting the important role TELL plays in the international community.

The impact of COVID-19 is something we have all felt and as we witness a global increase in stress-related conditions and burnout, it is time for all of us to start having real discussions with each other about mental health and what we can do as a community to help reduce youth suicides in Japan; while our project “Prevent Youth Suicides in Japan” has been fully funded, we continue to fight for that, each and every day. With so many new stressors added to the challenges of being a young person, more support than ever is needed.

On behalf of all TELL staff, volunteers, and Board members, we are grateful for your active support in funding this project and will continue to keep you updated on what TELL is doing to make that vision of zero youth suicides a reality.

Attachments:

TELL_Covid_stats.pdf (PDF)

1 Attachment

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Mar 23, 2020
Serving the Community in Challenging Times

By Kathryn Sheppard | Corporate Development Manager

Dear Friend,

It has been a fast transition to Spring here at TELL, with so much happening that there has hardly been time to notice that the cherry blossoms are now in bloom. COVID-19 has thrown the world into uncertain and challenging times, and it is our top priority to provide the support and resources for our community across Japan, through the Lifeline, virtual workshops, and continuing to train the volunteers who have been doing a commendable job in maintaining their shifts on the Line.

Even in these trying times, our community recognizes how crucial the services we provide are, and we are thrilled that the “Prevent Youth Suicides in Japan” project has been fully funded. This was made possible because of the dedication and commitment of our GlobalGiving donors. We are so grateful for your support!

Volunteers that would have gone to helping with the Olympics are now being called upon to be involved in different ways in the extreme circumstances we are in the midst of because of COVID-19. Our Spring 2020 support training had 29 volunteers who were accepted into the program. The TELL training coordinator is working diligently to provide all of the training online, to comply with recommendations on social distancing during this time. In a time when the international community is seeing people leave Japan to return to their home countries, we greatly appreciate all of the individuals who are committed to being the voice on the Line in a time of crisis.

At TELL, we believe that this is an unprecedented time, creating a more pressing need than ever before to provide an outlet and support for all of the brave individuals and groups fighting to zero youth suicide in Japan.

Your donations matter have made a real difference in a young person’s life, and that is how, together, we can build a healthy and vibrant community.

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