Shaanxi counselor helps vulnerable groups cope with life

Meanwhile, during the past five years, Duan has conducted more than 1,200 lectures on mental health in institutions, enterprises, communities, hospitals and schools covering nearly 100,000 people, besides initiating an online service platform, which has attracted more than 100,000 clicks.

Also, so far, his psychological counseling hotline has received more than 8,000 calls, and his two WeChat public accounts "Baoji Psychology" and "Baoji Mental Health" are attracting tens of thousands of viewers.

Looking to the future, Duan hopes to widen the scope of the mental health services.

"One day, mental illness will be just like any physical illness. And everyone will be conscious of how to prevent and treat it," he says.

In another development, Duan is helping create self-employment as the director of the Baoji Siyuan Psychological Research Institute.

"Like a lot of other enterprises, we register, rent venues, and hire employees. But the difference is that the company is for profit. The charity activities we hold are non-profit," says Duan.

"The company's income is attributed to individuals, and the income of the charity is used for institutional development."

For Duan, innovation is the most important aspect of social work. And he has sought more government support for organizations to fund public welfare activities, adding that they should enjoy preferential policies and loans for start-ups.

"Why not give us more support?" asks Duan.

In his words, these organizations also promote employment and contribute to social and economic development.

"Doing social work is about love and it needs to be passed on." says Duan.

Zhang Qiuting contributed to this story.