At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, both local and international health agencies noticed a significant increase in mental health concerns. Many people feared for themselves and their loved ones, staying at home and taking lots of precautions. Hence, the number of calls to crisis hotlines increased, too.
In response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched a digital platform, making consultations and counseling more accessible to those who needed them. In this article, let’s get to know more about the “Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support,” or simply, WiSUPPORT.
What is WiSUPPORT?
WiSUPPORT is a DSWD initiative that aims to establish a systematic response in addressing mental health and psychosocial concerns through wireless and online platforms. These platforms include text/SMS services, email, mobile apps, and the DSWD website itself.
In addition, the program serves as a hotline for emergency cases that require immediate attention. Such cases may be referred to psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health institutions who are part of the referral network that includes the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and the Department of Health (DOH).
Objectives of the Program
The main objective of the WiSUPPORT program is to ensure a systematic response to the psychosocial needs of individuals and families affected by COVID-19 and other crisis situations through the development of technology-based platforms.
Correspondingly, the specific objectives of the program are to:
- Support the operations of DSWD Central and Field Offices by developing systems that will facilitate intake, responding, referral, and recording of cases; and
- Execute the DSWD’s duties and responsibilities in the implementation of Republic Act No. 11036.
Notably, Republic Act No. 11036 is titled, “An Act Establishing a National Mental Health Policy for the Purpose of Enhancing the Delivery of Integrated Mental Health Services, Promoting and Protecting the Rights of Persons Utilizing Psychosocial Health Services, Appropriating Funds, and Other Purposes.”
Target Beneficiaries
As mentioned earlier, WiSUPPORT caters to the psychosocial needs of individuals and families who are affected by crisis situations. These include people under the following categories:
- Overseas Filipinos Workers (OFWs) in distress;
- Women in especially difficult circumstances;
- Family heads and other needy adults;
- Children in need of special protection;
- Senior citizens;
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs);
- Children and families in situations of armed conflict;
- Individuals involves as first responders or caregivers to crisis situations and their families; and
- Other individuals and families in distress.
Components of the Program
The WiSUPPORT program is comprised of four components, as follows:
1. Learning and Development Activities
Through this component, the DSWD ensures proper management of cases by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and attitude of service providers on understanding crisis, mental health, psychological well-being, and providing online psychosocial support.
2. Platforms for Online Psychosocial Support Consultations
The DSWD provides people with easy access to a range of communication tools to contact WiSUPPORT service providers. These include email, web portal, text messaging, mobile app, and telephone hotlines.
3. WiSUPPORT Service Provision
Trained DSWD staff are available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays (except holidays) for psychosocial support and consultation sessions. Clients are given options such as text messaging, emails, calls, or video conferences.
4. Referral Pathway
Depending on each case, DSWD may refer clients who need professional help to psychiatrists and psychologists through the established referral network.
Pilot Areas
The program was initially launched in three pilot areas: National Capital Region (NCR), Central Visayas (Region VII), and CARAGA Region. Eventually, the DSWD issued Memorandum Circular No. 19, Series of 2022, with the subject, “Institutionalization of the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to Individuals and Families Affected by Crisis Situations” (WiSPPORT).”
Video: Launching of WiSUPPORT App
Would you like to know more about WiSUPPORT? Watch this news report shared by PTV on Facebook, regarding the launching of WiSUPPORT app for people experiencing mental health issues:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions and answers about WiSUPPORT:
1. What is WiSUPPORT?
WiSUPPORT is a DSWD program that seeks to establish a systematic response in addressing mental health and psychosocial concerns through wireless and online platforms.
2. Who are its target beneficiaries?
The program caters to the psychosocial needs of individuals and families affected by crisis situations. These include OFWS in distress, women in difficult circumstances, children in need of special protection, senior citizens, PWDs, people in situations of armed conflict, first responders, caregivers, and other people in distress.
3. What are its components?
The program consists of four components, namely: learning and development activities; platforms for online psychosocial support consultations; WiSUPPORT service provision; and referral pathway.
4. Where is it implemented?
The program was initially launched in three pilot areas: NCR, Region VII, and CARAGA. In 2022, the DSWD issued a memorandum circular regarding WiSUPPORT’s institutionalization.
5. How can I contact WiSUPPORT?
Below is list of methods for contacting the WiSUPPORT program.
How to Contact WiSUPPORT
The WiSUPPORT program is based in the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. You can contact them through numbers and online channels featured below. Their telephone numbers are available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays (except holidays).
Call Hotlines: 0917-107-0062 / 0917-110-5686 / 0919-911-6200
Text Hotline: 0918-912-2813
Email: wisupport@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://ekwentomo.dswd.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSWDWiSUPPORT
1. Via Text Hotline
To contact WiSUPPORT via SMS, simply text “DSWD (space) WiSUPPORT (space) Name/Sex/Age/Region/Message or Concern” to 0918-912-2813.
For example: DSWD WiSUPPORT Juana dela Cruz/F/28/NCR/kailangan ko po ng makakausap tungkol sa aking nararamdaman
2. Via Website or Email
Visit this link for the WiSUPPORT intake form. Enter your name, sex, civil status, date of birth, address, email, contact number, and finally… your message or concern.
Another method is to write an email about your concern, and send it directly to wisupport@dswd.gov.ph. Either way, you can expect to receive a response from WiSUPPORT staff.
3. Download WiSUPPORT App
Another way to access the program is through its mobile app. Just download the WiSUPPORT App from Google Play Store. Aside from providing self-care tips, the app also contains a link to the web portal, plus information about nearby facilities and institutions.
Other Crisis Hotlines
In addition to WiSUPPORT, there are other crisis hotlines that you can contact:
New National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotlines
Telephone: 989-8727 (USAP)
Mobile: 0917-899-8727 (USAP)
NOTE: This service is available 24/7.
Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) / Hopeline Philippines
Telephone: (02) 804-4673 (HOPE)
Mobile: 0917-558-4673 (Globe) / 0918-873-4673 (Smart)
Hotline: 2919 (toll-free for GLOBE and TM subscribers)
Rapha
Mobile: 0961-718-2655
Email: cptcsa.helpline@gmail.com
NOTE: This service is available from Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Manila Lifeline Centre (MLC)
Telephone: (02) 896-9191
Mobile: 0917-854-9191
Recovery Hub Philippines
Telephone: +63 (32) 344-2142
Email: info@recoveryhub.ph
Website: https://app.recoveryhub.ph/
Final Thoughts
In times or crisis and emergencies, let us remember that mental health matters, too. If you or anyone you know is in urgent need of psychosocial support, do not hesitate to contact WiSUPPORT or other crisis hotlines.
The WiSUPPORT program was conceptualized by the Social Technology Bureau (STB) of the DSWD. Check out this article to learn more about this bureau and its services.