Support for mental health
The Department of Education (DepEd)-Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service (DRRMS) launched mental health helpline system consisting of contact information from different organizations to support learners, teachers, and the public in times of mental and psychological distress.
According to Education officials, they prioritize the promotion and protection of the mental health and general welfare of personnel and learners, especially amidst the challenges due to the crisis.
In DepEd Memorandum No. 072, series of 2021, all DepEd offices are instructed to include and promote the national and regional helplines of Circle of Hope Community Services, Inc., COVID-19 Mental Health Responders from the Masters Psychological Services, Hopeline PH, and The 700 Club Asia in events and programs.
These organizations’helplines can be contacted through:
Circle of Hope Community Services, Inc. : (+ 63) 917 882 2324, (+ 63) 908 891 5850, (+ 63) 925 557 0888
COVID-19 Mental Health Responders from the Masters Psychological Services: https://www.facebook.com/theMastersPsych/photos/ a.1783242525300758/ 2353920514899620/ ?type3&theater
Hopeline PH: (02) 8804 46 73, (+ 63) 917 558 4673, (+ 63) 918 873 4673, Globe/ TM toll-fee 2919
The 700 Club Asia: (+ 63) 949 889 8138, (+ 63) 943 706 7633, (+ 63) 0943 145 4815, (+ 63) 917 836 1513, 02 8737 0700, 1-800-1-1888-8700
For the poster, complete list, contact information, and other helplines available,visithttps://www.facebook.com/DepEdDRRMS.Foracopyofthe high resolution poster, visit https:/ / bit.ly/ DepEd-Helplines2021.
Officials said these helplines can provide various ways to support learners and personnel and may provide mental health and psychosocial support services, as well as wellness checks.
All helpline numbers will be updated every March and October of the year. The said issuance is aligned with the provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) in the DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2020 or the ‘Guidance on the Required Health Standards in Basic Education Offices and Schools.’
For more information, contact Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service throughdrrmo+mhpss@deped.gov.ph.
*****
The author is Administrative Assistant III at Deped- Division of Pampanga (Personnel Unit)