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Television is a powerful educational tool and Blossom was able to use this means of communication to conduct live telecast TV programmes to raise awareness about TB. Every year, about eight live telecast programmes were conducted between March 2009 and May 2015 and more than 95,300 people were reached each year and benefited from the TV programme. Ms. Clare Shaw, Programme officer, TTB, Dr. Saroja, Kunnur PHC, and Mrs. J.Reeta Kodeeswaran, Project Coordinator moderated the program. In 2012 Blossom conducted eleven live television programme in all blocks. Through television Blossom was able to reach people from a variety of social, cultural and economic demographics to increase TB awareness. Sixty members of the community participated in the programme, during which they received new information regarding TB and clarified any doubts with their local doctor. The cable television show had a reach of 35,000 community members. The TV programme benefitted the community by increasing TB awareness, introduced and helped build a rapport between the participants and the local doctor, and it provided a sense of familiarity for viewers in the community with the local doctor. In addition, many community members were introduced to the VHN and given the opportunity to serve as DOTS monitors, increasing the number of DOTS monitors in the area. Project duration: 2009-2015

During World TB Day 2015 our EduClowns took to the streets to create awareness about tuberculosis (TB). Creating awareness The EduClowns performed on the street of Sivakasi in a program dedicated to TB awareness and treatment. The EduClowns gave a second performance just for the TB   patients, their families and the other audience members. In the audience were also children who have been treated through the CEPT project. CEPT is a project run by Blossom Trust, to provide education to people affected by TB. The program informs people on how to prevent TB, where to go for treatment and how to deal with the stigma and discrimination revolving around this disease. At the end of the day, all the children who were part of the CEPT program were each presented with a gift bag filled with different fruits. After the speaking event, the participants were treated to a nice lunch. It was a very informative day for everyone present. Project duration: 2015

The FCC project was initiated in 1999 to protect the rights and well being of women and children. Trained Blossom staff offered psychological, legal, economic and medical support to women and children who are in need, particularly those victimized by domestic violence. The project also aimed to raise awareness about the role of women in society and their rights. FCC is a member of both the District Advisory Committee for Crime against Women and for the prevention of domestic violence; and the District Advisory Committee for the prevention of child abuses, child trafficking and child prostitution. The FCC project is funded by the Central Social Welfare Board, New Delhi. Activities of FCC Provide Pre-Marital and Marital Counseling Conduct counseling awareness programmes for school and college students Training school and college counseling services, focusing on career guidance Conduct one day training sessions on Counseling Skills and Approaches for female police personal Conducting workshops on adolescent and reproductive health Weekly attendance at family related cases at the Virudhunagar all women police station Joining the Police Mobile Counseling team to villages once per week Project duration: 1999-2014

The creation of local TB associations in December 2009 established a district-level network of TB patients and TB cured persons with the aim of bringing people together to share their experiences about TB. Each block in the Virudhunagar district has created a local TB Association and holds monthly meetings to generate awareness and give support to other TB patients. As part of Blossom's commitment to TB education, and as a major component of its Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) strategy, the long-term objective of these TB associations is to become an advocacy tool for people living with TB. Project duration: 2009-2010

In 2007, we conducted a Solid Waste Management Programme through the district of Virudhunagar. The project aimed to help people get a better understanding of the consequences of waste and how to separate waste to be more environmentally friendly. Families were explained how to separate plastics from biodegradable waste and were taught how the create compost. Project duration: 2007

Blossom is the District Resource center (DRC) of Tamil Nadu Voluntary Health Association. It coordinates the DFC’s and facilitates the DCC committee of Virudhunagar District. The TNVHA is an association of voluntary organizations working for health promotion in Tamil Nadu. The network aims to build the capacity of its members, allow for resource mobilization between organizations, provide relevant health information and liaise with the government. Blossom coordinates the District Facilitation Centers (DFCs) and facilitates the projects of the District Coordination Committee (DCC) in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu. There were in total of 12 NGO members in the district. Project duration: 2010-2013

World TB Day this year was on 24 March 2011. Our volunteer from the United States has given us her perspective of the day. Activities During the day we organized several gatherings to discuss the importance of leaving no one behind in the effort to eradicate tuberculosis. Our self-help groups informed the public about how to prevent TB and what to do if you contract TB. During the day they emphasized the importance of addressing the stigma and discrimination that people with TB face when they look for treatment. Through the eyes of a volunteer During the day, one of our volunteers from the United States contributed to our efforts. Her views of the day: ''I have been well taken care of, and inspired by this organization of women. Today they exceeded my expectations, spreading awareness of the prevalence of TB, how to prevent the disease, where to seek medical treatment, and how to cure TB once it’s contracted. The community’s response was also enthusiastic and all representatives at Blossom felt they gave their best efforts in executing World TB Day 2011.'' Project duration: 2011

As part of Blossom's environmental awareness initiative, Blossom took part in the 350 climate change global initiative; the International Day Of Climate Action. The aim of 350 is to raise awareness about climate change by teaching people about CO2 emissions and how they can reduce the carbon emissions. 350 by Blossom took place on October 27, 2009 and reached over 1000 adults and children. Information, Education and Communications (IEC) materials on environmental protection, tree planting and Ban on usage of plastic bags and other plastic products, were distributed all throughout the year on UN days observance.

Blossom took part in the Red Ribbon Express Program organized by TANSACS: a train, called the Red Ribbon Express that went around the entire nation to create awareness on HIV/TB. This train came to Virudhunagar railway station on 16th and 17th March 2010. Blossom staff stood inside the train and explained basic information and facts about HIV and TB. 10,000 people visited the train exhibition. At the end of the programme our District level HIV-TB officer appreciated our outreach workers work and their role in disseminating knowledge and awareness in the Virudhunagar district. Project duration: 16th and 17th March 2010

Blossom CEPT project observed World TB Day on 24.03.2010 and conducted the following activities. 1. Top to Bottom Telecast Programme on TB: People of all social backgrounds from the District Collector to slum dwellers were interviewed about TB by the Blossom CEPT team. In this way everyone shared their views about TB and Blossom was able to create awareness among a variety of communities in Virudhunagar. 2. World TB Day Message in Key Chain: Key chains with the World TB Day message "On the move against Tuberculosis. Innovate to accelerate action" were prepared and distributed to raise awareness and spread TB information. 3. Phone Message: A voice recorded message was sent to 2000 phone numbers about our Blossom CEPT Project and DOTS treatment. Meeting with Catering and Nursing Students A meeting with Catering and Nursing students from the National Academy was organised during the World TB Day. The Director of Blossom gave an introduction about Blossom and its work. Wallpapers with slogans and messages, which explained the symptoms, causes and treatment process of TB, were displayed in many important places such as the Railway Junction, bus stands and the government hospital entrance. Project duration: 2010

On December 1, 2009, Blossom observed World AIDS Day. On this day we organized a live TV programme which aired on the local TV channel, Akash. The aim of the programme was to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Dr. Palaniappa, an ART Medical Officer, participated as a special guest and Mrs. Santha, an HIV positive woman, shared her HIV experience. Information on HIV/AIDS, available treatment facilities, and the list of services provided were discussed in the programme. The programme lasted for one and a half hours and received 156 phone calls from across the district requesting more information and clarification on HIV/AIDS. Project duration: 2009

On 1st December 2010 Blossom observed World AIDS Day. During this years World AIDS Day, as the previous years, the theme was ''Stop AIDS, Keep the promise''. The theme was designed to encourage leaders once again to ensure that AIDS is eradicated from our world. The sub-theme of this year was ''Universal Access and Human Rights'', This theme is especially relevant in India, where many people still do not have access to healthcare. The HIV/AIDS patients that do have access to healthcare often experience stigma and discrimination when they seek treatment. During World AIDS Day, Blossom provided information on HIV/AIDS, available treatment facilities, and the list of service providers were discussed during the programme. Project duration: 2010