We had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Yeshim Iqbal, a current senior research scientist at New York University, to discuss her role as the founder and director of Kaan Pete Roi, Bangladesh’s first and only emotional support and suicide prevention helpline. Kaan Pete Roi directly translates from standard Bangla as “I’m here to listen,” reflective of the work the initiative conducts as a mental health helpline. Yeshim’s own experience working in helplines led to the initiation of this program and it has been run by trained volunteers since 2013. During our conversation, we learned more about Yeshim, the obstacles she had to overcome for an initiative that is the first of its kind, and the changing views on mental health within the population in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The behind-the-scenes for a helpline is often riddled with hurdles; however, working through those challenges means being able to help others, and with enough funding, to continue to do so for years. We learn all about it during our interview. See below to watch the Zoom interview and learn more about Yeshim’s work and Kaan Pete Roi.
00:49:00: Kaan Pete Roi (KPR) is considered to be Bangladesh’s first and only emotional support and suicide prevention helpline. What led to the development of Kaan Pete Roi?
02:33:06: Were there any obstacles that you faced when you first started this helpline?
05:33:01: Would you like to tell us about one or two of the most memorable moments of your work with KPR over the years?
08:11:04: Have you noticed any changes in your home country in the conversation on mental health? How would you say that even the diaspora has responded to the conversation around mental health, at least between the youth and their family, if you have noticed anything along that line?
10:40:02: What next steps do you think mental health organisations could take or would you want to take as KPR’s founder?
14:44:03: What are the immediate next steps that you’re planning for KPR as you move into the next decade?
We appreciate Yeshim for taking the time to discuss her work with us. We wish her the best with her research and hope for Kaan Pete Roi’s longevity. If you would like to learn more about Kaan Pete Roi, please visit their website or Facebook page for more information and upcoming events! To connect with Yeshim, please find more information about her work and research on her website.Â
For more interviews with mental health advocates, social workers, and media personalities, visit our Interviews section!