Kerala Church Launches First ‘Listening Corner’ at St. Dominic Church, Aluva

Aluva, Kerala, 11 Sep, 2026: The Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM), Kerala Region, has launched a new pastoral initiative to make mental health support more accessible within parish communities, inaugurating the state’s first ‘Listening Corner’ at St Dominic Church, Aluva. The initiative responds to growing mental health concerns among families, children, young people and the elderly, providing a safe and welcoming space where people can speak about their concerns without fear of judgement and, when needed, connect with appropriate professional support.

The Listening Corner was inaugurated by Baiju Paulose, DYSP, Aluva, in the presence of Fr Joy Chakkiyath, Parish Priest of St Dominic Church, Aluva, along with Fr Varghese, Fr Biju, Lensy Joseph, Shini Thomas, Praveen, and parishioners and well-wishers.

While professional counselling and mental health services are available in many places, stigma and fear can often prevent individuals from approaching counselling centres or seeking professional assistance. The Listening Corner seeks to address this gap by bringing an initial point of support into the familiar setting of the parish community.

Trained active listeners provide psychological first aid (PFA), emotional support and compassionate accompaniment to those who approach the service. Where professional intervention is required, they will appropriately refer or connect individuals with qualified mental health professionals and other support services.

The initiative draws on the Good Samaritan model of mercy and accompaniment, emphasising the importance of recognising those who are suffering, responding with compassion and helping them access appropriate care. The Listening Corner is not intended to replace professional mental health treatment but to serve as an accessible first point of support and connection to appropriate services.

All volunteers serving as active listeners are trained by the CMHM team and work according to guidelines prepared by the CBCI Office for Healthcare. At St Dominic Church, a trained team led by the parish priest will operate the Listening Corner every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The service is open to everyone, irrespective of age or background.

CMHM Kerala Region plans to establish additional Listening Corners in dioceses and parishes across the state. The ministry also intends to identify and train interested parishioners, including retired persons and others who wish to serve, as active listeners. With appropriate training and supervision, these volunteers can become a compassionate first point of contact for people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties.

By placing the initiative within parish communities, the Listening Corner seeks to address the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people not to suffer in silence. It invites individuals to speak about their concerns, seek support and, when necessary, access appropriate professional care.

The CMHM Kerala Region is involved in various mental health initiatives under the guidance of Bishop Alex Vadakumthala, Chairman of the Health Commission, Kerala. Through these initiatives, CMHM seeks to strengthen mental health awareness, early identification, psychological first aid, referral services and compassionate accompaniment at the grassroots level.

The launch at St Dominic Church marks a beginning in the Kerala Church’s efforts to promote a culture in which mental health is recognised as an integral part of human and pastoral wellbeing. CMHM Kerala hopes that Listening Corners will gradually become available in more parishes and dioceses, creating a network of trained and compassionate listeners who can help individuals and families take their first step towards healing.

For more information about Listening Corners: 92881 13318 | 98479 3417

By Catholic Connect Reporter