QUEZON CITY -- As of November 2021, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) served 417 individuals who sought assistance through intervention through the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to Individuals and Families Affected by COVID 19 and other Crisis Situations (WiSUPPORT) program.

Launched and pilot implemented at the height of the pandemic, 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 program provides consultation services, referral to appropriate partner agencies for further intervention, and the provision of learning activities.

For its pilot run, the program is implemented in Regions VII, CARAGA and the National Capital Region.  To date, there are 83 mental health and psychosocial support service providers trained for the WiSUPPORT 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).

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. (DSWD)