Delhi University launches helpline to offer counselling services to students

New Delhi: Delhi University has introduced a helpline to offer free counselling sessions to students and faculty members of various colleges which will help them to cope up with the professional and personal stress.

The varsity's 'Mind Body Centre' presently offers face-to-face counselling to female students and faculty members.

However, the newly launched helpline will cater to queries and therapies for both males and females.

"We hold 5-6 counselling sessions daily. But we realised that at times the students are not so comfortable coming to the centre and share their problems. They want to maintain their anonymity so we came up with this helpline," Nilanjana Singh, Chairperson of Delhi University Women's Association (DUWA) told PTI.

"There shall be expert psychologists, therapists and counsellors who will be based at the 'Mind Body Centre' and will deal with the queries. If there is a need for further counselling, we will call the individuals to the centre," she added.

The newly-launched telephonic and email helpline will start accepting queries from October 5.

"The toll-free number for the helpline is 1800 3000 7303. The callers can make their queries during 3 PM to 5 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those calling beyond these timings can leave the message on voicemail and the counsellors will call them back," said Nilanjana, wife of varsity Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh.

"Students can avail email-based counselling by sending their problems at counselling@mbc.Du.Ac.In. The responses shall be delivered within 48 hours. All counselling shall be treated as strictly confidential," she added.

The regular face-to-face counselling shall also continue to be available for girl students at the DUWA 'Mind Body Centre' through appointments at 27667742 and 27666027.

The 'Mind Body Centre' which was set up last year also has a Naturopathy and Homoeopathy wing besides the counselling clinic. Those visiting the centre have to pay an annual registration fee of Rs 50 per year and all the services can be availed for free.