The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has established a helpline to provide a formal mechanism for students to seek mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
The primary goal of the Psychological First Aid Helpline, which was inaugurated on Tuesday by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, is to reduce the number of children who require clinical intervention by facilitating early intervention and providing timely assistance to those in need.
By strengthening the existing school counselling service and utilising trained counsellors, the helpline, with the contact number 1484, aims to ensure that all students across the country have access to the necessary support for their emotional well-being.
The new helpline will offer a confidential platform for students to seek guidance and support from trained counsellors. The helpline is not intended to replace medical care and should not be utilised for emergencies requiring immediate medical attention.
The helpline is available from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday through Thursday.
