mag-text
I-text and DSWD(space) WiSUPPORT(space) Name/Sex/Age/Region/
Message or Concern sa 0918-912-2813
Example: DSWD WiSUPPORT Juan Dela Cruz/M/30/NCR/Kailangan ko ng taong makikinig sa aking nararamdaman
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).
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.
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.
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.
4. Referral Pathway
Depending on each case, DSWD may refer clients who need professional help to psychiatrists and psychologists through the established referral network.
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.”
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).”
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.
