First Lady Fazna Ahmed inaugurated on Tuesday the Psychological First Aid Helpline for students. The Ministry of Education established the helpline with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The helpline number, 1484, is available to all students who need support with their mental health and psychosocial well-being.
The establishment of the helpline aims to provide a formal mechanism for students to seek mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). This would be done by strengthening the school counselling service, utilising existing counsellors to provide MHPSS to students across the country, and reducing the number of children who require clinical intervention by ensuring access to help and facilitating early intervention. Additionally, the helpline would identify and attend to students who could be supported at the school level.
The helpline is a confidential service for students and is staffed by trained counsellors who can provide support and guidance. It is not a substitute for medical care and would not be used in emergencies requiring immediate medical attention. The helpline is available Saturday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
