Men from across the city began calling the All-India Men’s Welfare Association for help immediately after its launch on Thursday! Although the association does not have an office yet, the founder-members have opened a helpline. Besides, they organize meetings every Sunday at the Press Club.

Men can discuss their problems with counsellors Vivek Deveshwar and Mithun Kumar. The committee has five active members, apart from Vivek and Mithun, all of whom are software professionals. Vivek said: “Our approach includes counselling, and at the same time not letting men think of themselves as victims and getting into the self-pity mode.” In cases of matrimonial or other family disputes, they offer legal assistance.

A 61-year-old man called the helpline on Thursday saying he has filed a suit for getting maintenance from his son. Another call was from a divorced man who has been rejected visitation rights. He has a 1-year-old son.

Men who have already faced such problems joined the association, and many have volunteered to help. An advocate who has faced and dealt with harassment through matrimonial cases has eagerly supported the cause, offering legal assistance.

The association intends to open two more helplines for those who speak Kannada.