From complaints of loneliness to dealing with anxiety after parents contracted the virus during the past eight months, over 1,000 children have reached out to a government helpline seeking aid and advice. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ recently introduced tele-counselling SAMVEDNA (Sensitising Action on Mental Health Vulnerability through Emotional Development and Necessary Acceptance) toll-free helpline is becoming popular for providing psycho-social mental support to Covid-affected children.

This tele-counselling service is available on a toll-free number 1800-121-2830 from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm. The service is provided to children in three categories: children in quarantine/isolation/Covid care centres; those with Covid positive parents or family members, and children who have lost their parents to the pandemic.

Also read: Coping with pandemic anxiety