The Psychological First Aid Helpline for students established with the support from World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was inaugurated on Tuesday.
First lady Fazna Ahmed inaugurated the helpline during a ceremony on Tuesday morning.
First lady Fazna Ahmed inaugurated the helpline. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyan/ Adhadhu
The helpline number, 1484, established by the education ministry is available to all students who need support with their mental health and psychosocial well-being.
The purpose of the helpline is to provide a formal mechanism for students to seek mental health and psychosocial support.
The helpline number, 1484, is available to all students who need support with their mental health. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyan/ Adhadhu
Through this initiative, school counselling services would be strengthened and counsellors would be utilised to provide assistance to students across the country.
The helpline was established with the support from WHO and UNICEF. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyan/ Adhadhu
The education ministry also hopes to reduce the number of children who require clinical intervention by ensuring access to help and facilitating early intervention.
The helpline is available Saturday through Thursday from 3pm to 9pm and trained counsellors will provide confidential service for students.
Education minister Aishath Ali at the ceremony. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyan/ Adhadhu
But authorities note that the helpline is not a substitute for medical care and would not be used in emergencies requiring immediate medical attention.
