Branches have been established in areas where the local citizens have shown a keen desire to help themselves. After a needs assessment activity the National Council decides on a suitable response. All branches have trained volunteers who engage in befriending the distressed and help them to cope with their difficulties as well as engage in outreach activities at the community level. The service at the centre is confidential and volunteers are trained to give emotional support anonymously and discreetly. Each branch works independently with a local director in charge, but the delivery of the service is supervised through the National Council so that the quality of the service is uniform as far as possible. Service hours differ from branch to branch.