Kulasegaran signing a commemorative plaque to mark Befrienders Ipoh’s 50th anniversary celebration, flanked by Jeyamaran (left) and National Council of Befrienders Malaysia president Jessie Ting.
Befrienders Ipoh honoured volunteers at its Golden Jubilee celebration, commending their dedication to those in need.
Those celebrated were volunteers who had served for five years or more, with the most senior having aided the hotline service for 42 years.
Chairman S. Jeyamaran paid tribute to the volunteers for their selfless dedication, compassion and commitment in sustaining the organisation.
“Since its founding in 1975, Befrienders Ipoh has played a vital role in offering emotional support to individuals struggling with loneliness, emotional distress, mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts.
“The organisation has also carried out a lot of outreach programmes in schools.
“We remain steadfast in our mission, guided by empathy, compassion and unwavering commitment towards suicide prevention through the hotlines which ring incessantly.
“The organisation is tireless in its continuous effort to engage and train volunteers to be hotline-ready listeners,” said Jeyamaran.
Ipoh Barat MP and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department M. Kulasegaran, who was present, commended the volunteers for providing mental health support to the community-in-need.
He also assured that both the government and his constituency would continue to support the organisation in its efforts.
As a tax-exempt voluntary association, Befrienders Ipoh relies on public donations to sustain its work.
