Seven months after its launch, the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to Individuals and Families Affected by COVID 19 and other Crisis Situations (WiSUPPORT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already served more than 400 individuals.
The DSWD said as of November 2021, a total of 417 individuals who sought psycho-social support have been assisted by the program.
“Of the total served, 177 sought assistance for psycho-social and mental health issues, while the other 240 clients had non mental health concerns, such as financial assistance, concerns about the Social Amelioration Program (SAP),” it said in a statement.
“Those who sought assistance from the WiSUPPORT program on psychosocial and mental health concerns consulted about fear of COVID, the effects of losing their livelihood, the grief over losing a loved one, pressure from work, heightened anxiety issues, and depression.”
Launched in April this year, the WiSUPPORT program provides mental and psychosocial support services to individuals and families affected by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other crisis situations.
The pilot areas were the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Visayas, and Caraga.
“WiSUPPORT is a psychosocial and mental health focused program developed by the Department to address the need of individuals and families cope with the effects of the pandemic through easily accessible platforms like email, mobile services, website and WiServe,” the DSWD said.
“The program provides consultation services, referral to appropriate partner agencies for further intervention, and the provision of learning activities."
The DSWD said currently, there are 83 mental health and psychosocial support service providers trained for the WiSUPPORT program.