One of the great ideas introduced in the Punjab Youth Policy 2012 was the establishment of a helpline for the youth. A helpline by which the youth could share health, psychological, academic and career problems.

The idea, conceived from abroad, is gaining ample popularity among the youth unexpectedly, perhaps owing to social and cultural norms of the society in which the youth feels much safer sharing problems with professionals anonymously.
The Punjab Youth Helpline (PYH-080012145) started receiving a good number of calls after a few months in operation, though authorities undermined its scope. And, the project was hit with survival issues.
A call was made on the helpline. The call was received by a female psychologist who without asking for identification issued a case number to be referred back to the same counselor. Reassurance that calls were neither being recorded nor could be traced was also made but age and area inquired. After listening to different problems patiently for more than 50 minutes, the psychologist successfully advised some breathing exercises along with little tips and suggested callback after week.
The helpline, made under the Punjab Youth Affairs, Sport, Archaeology and Tourism Department, is a little unit being run by tiny team of seven counselors – five female psychologists and two career counselors who work seven days a week from 9 to 5.
TheNation obtained interesting statistics giving a rare insight into the problems plaguing youngsters these days. Despite weak publicity, around 1,500 calls had been received in three months since its launch on December.
The demand of this project could be calculated by the number of calls coming from out of Punjab. Youngsters from Hyderabad, Sodagir, Badeen, Gurgun, Sadiqabad, Pezu, Jaampur, Kotli and RustamShahr have contacted for free counseling.
The maximum number of calls received was from 20-30 age                  group suffering joblessness. “Not having a job is the biggest concern for the youth at this time”, said one of the counselors. Psychologists say that children share problems like broken family issues, confidence matters and psychic problems. “In some cases youngsters were referred to clinics and doctors on follow-ups and became regular callers.”
It is obvious that with feedback and data obtained, this project has a great potential in identifying and eradicating problems of the youth. Ironically like other prospective projects, this helpline faces survival issues due to lack of attention from the high-ups.
With proper attention and funds this project can prove to be the best interpreter between the youth and the government and could bridge the gap between the two.

Gender Breakdown

Call Received from    calls Received    Percentage
Male    643    59.76%
Female    369    34.29%
Silent    34    3.16%
Crank    23    2.14%
Transgender    7    0.65%

CONCERNS

Call Received AT    calls Recei ved    Percentage
Crank    23    2.14%
Academic    301    27.97%
Psychological    268    24.91%
Informatory    143    13.29%
Career    121    11.25%
Miscellaneous    81    7.53%
Health Issues    49    4.55%
Silent    34    3.16%
Crank    23    2.14%
Reproductive Physiology    19    1.77%
Psycho-Social & Psychosexual Issues    16    1.49%
Reproductive Pathology    21    1.95%

AGE bREAKUP

Age    No of Calls   
10-19 years    327   
20-30 years    563   
30-40 years    236