COVID-19 Lockdown: establishment of an Anonymous Counselling & Wellbeing Unit to Support the Residents of the Principality

The changes brought about by the COVID-19 epidemic, including the lockdown measures, as well as fear of the disease, can disrupt daily life and all our usual reference points.  Everyone is trying to adapt to these events, but this situation is a potential cause of stress and anxiety.

It therefore seemed necessary to arrange specific support for the residents of the Principality by means of a listening service aimed at providing Monegasques and residents with answers and reassurance in the face of concerns and worries linked to the epidemic.

A Psychological Support Unit was set up on 23 March, on the initiative of the Prince's Government, at the COVID-19 Call Centre.

This Unit is continuously being adapted to better meet the needs expressed.

Thus, a dedicated telephone platform, offering an anonymous listening and support service, is being put in place in the Principality as from Wednesday 1 April.

This platform can be accessed every day by calling the number 92 05 55 00, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On this platform, experienced professionals will listen and provide guidance on how best to live through this pandemic period from a personal and emotional point of view.

To respond in the most appropriate way to the various needs that are likely to be expressed, callers will be able to speak to volunteers from Monaco Red Cross who are trained in listening, city psychologists, or, if necessary, a doctor, in liaison with the Princess Grace Hospital's Medical Psychology Emergency Unit.

Didier Gamerdinger emphasised that, "In the current context, maintaining social links, even at a distance, is indispensable.  Talking to others and relationships with others help to reduce the anxiety caused by this unprecedented situation.  Callers will be able to share their concerns and difficulties in confidence."

Please note:  persons under the care of the Home Patient Follow-Up Centre (which is responsible for the medical and social monitoring of COVID patients), benefit from a dedicated psychological support unit within the Centre.

In case of psychological distress or the need to talk, call 92 05 55 00