In a support group facilitated by Sisters Living Works (SLW), a survivor of attempted suicide, Riya (name changed), spoke about the deep pain of losing her partner to suicide after both families rejected their relationship because of their sexual orientation. “My journey has not been an easy one, I still go through ups and downs. But what I have learned is that it is essential to have a network of understanding and caring individuals who can help me navigate my grief,” she shared. For her, SLW became that circle of compassion.

Another survivor of suicide loss, Anjali (name changed), expressed deep gratitude to the “kind souls,” SLW’s therapists and fellow survivors, who guided her through the darkest days. Their patient listening and steady presence helped her find strength again. She later trained as a First Responder and, on Survivors Day, courageously shared her story to inspire others on the path to healing.

<– A workshop on “Gender-Based Violence and Women’s Mental Health” facilitated by Ms. Diya Mehra, Program Coordinator at Sisters Living Works (SLW), with women from underprivileged communities in Mumbai.

Founded in 2015 and based in Mumbai, Sisters Living Works (SLW) was established to address India’s high suicide rates and provide critical education and resources on mental health and suicide prevention. Many suicides, particularly among marginalized communities, go unreported or misclassified, making the true scale of the crisis even greater. Recognizing this, SLW works to raise awareness, build support networks, and equip women and young girls from underprivileged communities with the knowledge and tools to identify warning signs, seek help, and navigate mental health challenges safely, making suicide prevention a tangible, community-driven effort.

Since 2016, AID has supported Sisters Living Works (SLW) in spreading suicide awareness across schools, colleges, communities, and workplaces. In collaboration with NGOs like Mumbai Smiles, SLW conducts 20–30 annual workshops in neighborhoods such as Kandivali, Dadar, Nalasopara, Bhayandar, Thane, and Ghatkopar, reaching around 400 women and young girls each year. Their outreach extends to college campuses including Mithibai College, SNDT University, and L.S. Raheja College, schools like Little Flowers High School and Guru Nanak School, and companies such as Furtados Music School and Big Small Ideas. Over the last six months alone, SLW has conducted 150+ workshops, directly reaching 2,000 participants and impacting nearly 5,000 individuals through training, community events, and their Annual Walk and Run for Suicide Prevention. SLW runs five core programs: Workshops, Support Groups, Teacher Training, First Responders, and One-on-One Counselling. Since 2014, at least 30 community leaders have been trained and 200,000 people have benefited from these programs. Their work is especially impactful in breaking the silence surrounding suicide, offering hope to survivors and families, and promoting resilience through knowledge and peer support. By nurturing safe spaces and spreading awareness, Sisters Living Works envisions a suicide-free India where no one has to suffer in silence and every individual feels valued, supported, and heard.

AID has also been a steady supporter of SLW’s Annual Suicide Prevention Conference, which has become a vital public platform for dialogue, understanding, and collective healing.

–> On International Women’s Day, Sisters Living Works facilitated a workshop on “Menstruation and Mental Health” in Malvani, Malad West, in collaboration with Bright Future (Kandivali), fostering open conversations around menstrual health and emotional well-being.

At the 11th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference held on September 21, 2025, participants shared how it changed their perspective and offered a sense of belonging:

“The panel helped me realize I was not the only one feeling like that.” – Student, SNDT University
“The way they spoke openly about mental health and reaching out before it’s too late really stayed with me.” – Teacher, SIES College
“The discussion on caste, heteronormativity, and ableism helped me see how these social realities deepen distress.” – Mental health professional

<– 11th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference 2025

These voices reflect what SLW and AID together make possible a space where survivors, students, and professionals come together to replace stigma with empathy and silence with hope. Too many people still lack access to safe, understanding spaces where they can seek support.

You can help sustain and expand this work by enabling SLW to reach more schools, build more survivor-led support groups, and ensure that next year’s conference continues to spread light where silence once prevailed.

Your contribution has the power to save lives.  Help us strengthen the network of care that brings hope to those facing darkness.

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