TO HELP address the mental health and psychosocial needs of individuals during the pandemic, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Visayas launched the “WiSupport Project” that will provide mental health care services using technology-based platforms.

Individuals and family members can send a request for a free consultation through various channels, such as:

• sending an email to wisupport.fo7@dswd.gov.ph

• visiting ekwentomo.dswd.gov.ph website

• accessing a mobile application called WiSupport (available on Google Play Store)

• using WiServ SMS at 0918-912-2813

According to DSWD 7, these wireless and online tools are attended by WiSupport service providers every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on holidays.

In a statement, DSWD 7 said that the newly launched program aims to provide help for repatriated overseas Filipino workers, employees affected by flexible work arrangements or temporary closures, family heads in need of support, and other individuals and families in distress.

“There are many types of mental health care providers who diagnose and treat mental illnesses. But DSWD, as a social welfare agency, offers free help for everyone in the community by determining what type of intervention an individual or a family might need by providing referral pathways,” said Antonio Dolaota, DSWD 7 assistant director for administration.

Clients needing further mental health and psychosocial assistance will be referred to DSWD 7’s network of services provided by the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Red Cross, Philippine Mental Health Association Cebu Cluster, and United Registered Social Workers Visayas Cluster.

Immediate interventions are provided according to the need and present situation of the clients, said DSWD 7.

Central Visayas is one of the pilot regions implementing the WiSupport Project, aside from the National Capital Region and Caraga. (NRC,PR)