WiSUPPORT is a mental health program initiated by the DSWD to address the psychosocial needs of Filipinos using various online and wireless platforms, including SMS, email, mobile apps, and their website.
This program targets distressed OFWs, women in difficult situations, family heads, needy adults, children requiring protection, senior citizens, PWDs, and those involved in crisis situations, ensuring they have easy access to mental health support.
It offers efficient case management, consultation services, and professional referrals, providing essential assistance during crises.
What is WiSUPPORT?
WiSUPPORT is an initiative by the DSWD designed to create a systematic approach to addressing mental health and psychosocial issues through wireless and online platforms.
These platforms include text/SMS services, email, mobile apps, and the DSWD website.
Additionally, the program serves as a hotline for emergency cases requiring immediate attention, referring such cases to psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health institutions within a referral network that includes the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and the Department of Health (DOH).
Objectives of the Program
The primary goal of WiSUPPORT is to provide 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.
Specific objectives include:
- Supporting the operations of DSWD Central and Field Offices by developing systems that facilitate intake, responding, referral, and case recording.
- Executing DSWD’s duties and responsibilities under Republic Act No. 11036.
- Republic Act No. 11036, known as the “National Mental Health Policy,” aims to enhance the delivery of integrated mental health services and protect the rights of individuals utilizing psychosocial health services.
Target Beneficiaries
WiSUPPORT addresses the psychosocial needs of individuals and families affected by crisis situations, including:
- 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 involved as first responders or caregivers to crisis situations and their families.
- Other individuals and families in distress.
Components of the Program
WiSUPPORT consists of four key components:
- Learning and Development Activities
This component enhances the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of service providers in managing crises, understanding mental health, and providing online psychosocial support.
- Platforms for Online Psychosocial Support Consultations
The DSWD offers easy access to various communication tools for contacting WiSUPPORT service providers, including email, web portal, text messaging, mobile app, and telephone hotlines.
- 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 via text messaging, emails, calls, or video conferences.
- Referral Pathway
DSWD may refer clients needing professional help to psychiatrists and psychologists through the established referral network.
Pilot Areas
WiSUPPORT was initially launched in three pilot areas: National Capital Region (NCR), Central Visayas (Region VII), and CARAGA Region.
In 2022, the DSWD issued Memorandum Circular No. 19, institutionalizing WiSUPPORT.
How to Contact WiSUPPORT
The WiSUPPORT program is based in the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
You can contact them through numbers and online channels featured below.
Their telephone numbers are available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays (except holidays).
Call Hotlines: 0917-107-0062 / 0917-110-5686 / 0919-911-6200
Text Hotline: 0918-912-2813
Email: wisupport@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://ekwentomo.dswd.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSWDWiSUPPORT
Via Text Hotline
Text “DSWD WiSUPPORT Name/Sex/Age/Region/Message or Concern” to 0918-912-2813.
Example: DSWD WiSUPPORT Juana dela Cruz/F/28/NCR/kailangan ko po ng makakausap tungkol sa aking nararamdaman.
Via Website or Email
Fill out the intake form on the WiSUPPORT website, providing your name, sex, civil status, date of birth, address, email, contact number, and message or concern.
Alternatively, email your concern to wisupport@dswd.gov.ph for a response from WiSUPPORT staff.
Download WiSUPPORT App
Download the WiSUPPORT App from Google Play Store, which offers self-care tips, a link to the web portal, and information about nearby facilities and institutions.
Other Crisis Hotlines
In addition to WiSUPPORT, other crisis hotlines include:
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotlines
Telephone: 989-8727 (USAP)
Mobile: 0917-899-8727 (USAP)
Available 24/7.
Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) / Hopeline Philippines
Telephone: (02) 804-4673 (HOPE)
Mobile: 0917-558-4673 (Globe) / 0918-873-4673 (Smart)
Hotline: 2919 (toll-free for GLOBE and TM subscribers)
Rapha
Mobile: 0961-718-2655
Email: cptcsa.helpline@gmail.com
Available Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Manila Lifeline Centre (MLC)
Telephone: (02) 896-9191
Mobile: 0917-854-9191
Recovery Hub Philippines
Telephone: +63 (32) 344-2142
Email: info@recoveryhub.ph
Website: https://app.recoveryhub.ph/
Video: ’WiSUPPORT’ application, inilunsad ng DSWD para sa mga nakararanas ng mental health issues
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the ‘WiSUPPORT’ application to assist individuals facing mental health challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app provides support and resources for those in need of mental health assistance, offering crucial help during these challenging times.
Conclusion
In times of 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.