New Toll-Free Helpline Launched for Social Welfare Beneficiaries in Fiji

Fiji's Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has launched a new toll-free helpline, 1561, designed to improve access to support for social protection beneficiaries. This initiative aims to simplify how individuals can raise concerns, obtain information, and offer feedback regarding the assistance they receive from the ministry.

Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, stated that the new service is crucial for removing barriers that beneficiaries often face, such as long distances, travel expenses, and the feeling of not being heard. "From this day forward, any social protection beneficiary, no matter where they live, no matter their circumstances, will be able to pick up a phone and call free of charge to raise their concerns, seek clarification, and provide feedback directly to our ministry," Kiran announced.

The helpline ensures that every complaint will be handled with confidentiality, dignity, and accountability. Available on Vodafone, Digicel, and Telecom networks, the 1561 service is free for all callers. The ministry has acknowledged the World Food Programme for its technical and financial support in establishing this vital resource, noting their collaborative efforts on social protection programs since 2016.

The ministry is actively urging community leaders, civil society groups, and the media to help promote the helpline. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that a wider range of beneficiaries can access the support and resources available to them through this new, accessible channel.

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From this day forward, any social protection beneficiary, no matter where they live, no matter their circumstances, will be able to pick up a phone and call free of charge to raise their concerns, seek clarification, and provide feedback directly to our ministry.