NEWS

DepEd launches Mental Health helpline system

for students and teachers

by Karissa San Mateo

Photo from Inquirer.net

The Department of Education (DepEd) has committed to provide mental health support for both teachers and students during the pandemic by launching a helpline system last November 8, 2021. Through this system, a list of organizations which offer psychosocial and psychological help are made accessible, as well as their contact information.

According to DepEd, among the roster of these organizations includes Circle of Hope Community Services Inc., COVID-19 Mental Health Responders from the Masters Psychological Services, Hopeline PH, and 700 Club Asia. Additionally, it was announced that all helpline numbers would be regularly updated. These updates were said to occur every March and October of the following years.

The provided Mental Health Hotlines are aligned with the guidance on the required health standards in basic education offices and schools, as well as the provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services in the DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2020.

“These helplines can provide various ways to support our learners and personnel. They may provide mental health and psychosocial support services, as well as wellness checks,” Ronilda Co, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service, said.

This mental health hotline system was established by the Department in order to address the rising number of individuals who are dealing with mental health issues, especially in this distance learning setup.

"We prioritize the promotion and protection of the mental health and general welfare of our personnel and learners, especially amidst the challenges we face due to the crisis,” DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones mentioned in a statement.

Listed below are the contact details of the aforementioned helplines. They can also be accessed through this website: https://bit.ly/DepEd-Helplines2021.

  • Circle of Hope Community Services, Inc.: (+63) 917 882 2324, (+63) 908 891 5850, (+63) 925 557 0888

  • Hopeline PH: (02) 8804 46 73, (+63) 917 558 4673, (+63) 918 873 4673, Globe/TM toll-free 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