DepEd integrates TeleSafe Helpline with national mental health services

The Department of Education’s (DepEd) helpline for students experiencing abuse and bullying now offers a direct connection to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis hotline.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the launching of the enhanced feature of the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline at the General Tiburcio De Leon National High School in Valenzuela City.

“Sa pag-uugnay ng ating #33733 Helpline sa mga dalubhasa mula sa NCMH, inilalapit natin ang kalinga at de-kalidad na healthcare sa bawat mag-aaral—dahil sa bawat tawag, tinitiyak natin na may katuwang sila tungo sa paggaling, kaligtasan, at panatag na kaisipan,” said Angara in a statement.

(By linking our #33733 Helpline with the experts from the NCMH, we are bringing care and high-quality healthcare closer to every student—because with every call, we ensure they have a partner on their journey toward healing, safety, and peace of mind.)

The Learners Telesafe Contact Center Helpline may be contacted through #33733 (#DEPED), 09451759777 or via email weprotectlearners@deped.gov.ph and Viber.

With the help of PLDT Inc.’s contact center technology, the helpline can now immediately route callers in distress to NCMH specialists for professional crisis intervention, the DepEd added.

The DepEd’s TeleSafe helpline allows students to report any abuse and seek assistance. Along with this, the DepEd also has Learner Rights and Protection officers who will provide immediate guidance and assessments on urgent concerns.

Several public schools also have established Learner Support Center facilities, which integrate guidance centers, teen centers, and learner rights and protection desks.

Schools have so-called Peer Hubs, which are groups of students trained by MentorHealth Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University. They are trained to provide peer-to-peer mental health support and referral assistance to their schoolmates.

If you need help, the National Center for Mental Health can be reached through its 24/7 crisis hotline: 1553 or 1800-1888-1553. For SMART/TNT users, it’s 0919-057-1553 and for Globe/TM subscribers, the NCMH can be reached through 0917-899-8727. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA News