When a 17-year-old girl was diagnosed with the COVID-19 infection in September, she maintained her cool. She knew that by observing strict self-isolation and hygiene measures, she would trump the virus. Exactly two weeks later, she recovered. Just when she thought the worst was over, she tested positive for dengue. This resulted in sudden insomnia, something she had never experienced. "When she called our helpline number, she was worried and clueless. Our counsellor built a rapport, and began probing the psychological issues she was facing after COVID-19 treatment. We advised her to practice breathing exercises twice a day and she was asked to eat lighter foods for dinner. After a couple of follow-up sessions, she managed to break out of sleeplessness," says Priyank Kanoongo, chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Childs Rights (NCPCR).

NCPCR is a statutory body constituted under the provisions of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 for protection of child rights and other related matters. When the nationwide lockdown was announced in March, the team at NCPCR realised that the pandemic would take a psychological toll on children. They decided to start identifying counsellors across the country. "We thought of starting an exclusive counselling platform for kids. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of psychiatrists; very little work has happened in this sphere in the last few decades," says Kanoongo. To their good fortune, the team learnt of the work of India Co-Win Action Network (I-CAN), a voluntary group that assists in immediate relief and support during the pandemic. "A lot of psychiatrists are registered with them. They agreed to partner with us," he adds.