. 2022 Oct 18;3(1):sgac043. doi: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgac043

Table 2.

Initiatives by Civil Society and NGOs

1.	Firework, a video platform launched #sparkthejoy to address COVID-19-related mental health issues. This encouraged acts of kindness, spreading the message of love to spark positivity among people. These videos witnessed user engagement doubling during the lockdown period. A panel of doctors advised on treatment issues.¹¹
2.	The NGO Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) launched a warmline Y4Y (Youth for Youth) for people aged 15–25 years who needed a peer to talk to, a place to vent or to share their problems. Youngsters could speak anonymously with a youth volunteer, who was well trained on mental health and in identifying needs of the caller, basic communication skills, and in supporting individuals.¹²
3.	Sangath, also an NGO addressed the psychological and social needs of different age groups by empowering communities, engaging on mental health issues and supporting people with counselling through digital platforms. Sangath has so far provided free online counselling to more than 260 unique clients and conducted more than 460 online sessions.¹³