To assist learners, teachers, and the public during times of mental and psychological distress, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched a mental health helpline system consisting of contact information from different organizations.
"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,” Secretary Leonor Briones said in a statement issued Monday, Nov. 8.
The mental health helpline system was launched by DepEd through its Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service (DRRMS).
As stated 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
DRRMS Director Ronilda Co explained that 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,” she added.
DepEd said that 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, the public may contact Disaster Risk Reduction Management Service through [email protected].