CVV of São José do Rio Preto records increase in demand for care among children and adolescents

The Center for the Valorization of Life (CVV) in São José do Rio Preto (SP) recorded an increase in demand for care among children and adolescents aged 10 to 17.

From January to August this year, the site provided around 32 thousand calls, maintaining a monthly average of 3 thousand to 3.5 thousand calls. During the month of September, according to the association, the expectation is to reach the mark of 5 thousand calls. See below how to become a volunteer.

In an interview with TV TEM, CVV coordinator, Francisco Garcia, reported that children and young people have faced early emotional overloads.

The situation raises awareness about the mental health of young people, who seek the free listening service to report crises of anxiety, depression, bullying, self-mutilation and emotional distance from their parents.

"These children who call CVV seeking help bring us reports of a crisis at home: financial crisis, self-acceptance crisis, bullying. The rush of everyday life ends up making these children feel alone. Today, we realize that we have children experiencing adult problems", assesses the coordinator.

However, despite high demand, the entity's current structure operates at the limit of its capacity. Also according to Francisco, the CVV has 21 active volunteers in Rio Preto. So that the service is not interrupted and to meet the region's demand, 56 people would be needed.

Due to the low number of attendants, it is estimated that 25% of calls destined for the station end up not being completed immediately, ending up on a national waiting list.

How to become a CVV volunteer

To try to expand the service team, CVV in Rio Preto is open for new volunteers. The work is unpaid, carried out anonymously, confidentially and without moral or religious judgments.

What it does: provides support in person, by telephone (188), via chat or email, offering active and empathetic listening to those experiencing emotional suffering;

Dedication required: weekly shifts of approximately 4 hours;

Requirements: be at least 18 years old and available to take the free preparatory course offered by the institution.