The Washington Market School’s Post

🚨 The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in an estimated 15 million people needing psychosocial support, with millions potentially requiring medical treatment. A very severe problem is that access to mental health services continues to be impeded by stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations. Psychosocial support is extremely important for those, especially children experiencing conflict, displacement, family separation, witnessing atrocities, and other life-threatening events. 📢 It is paramount to raise awareness about the importance of early psychological support and provide information on common signs, symptoms, and reactions to stress and distress. The need for psychological support is greater than ever. 💔 Failure to provide children from Ukraine with proper treatment and adequate support may result in long-lasting effects that can negatively impact not only themselves but also their families and communities. 🧡 🌍 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recognized Mental health and psychological support as a crucial and lifesaving emergency response. That is why thousands of volunteers and staff members of the National Red Cross Societies have taken part in the Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) training. Assistance is provided in Ukrainian and other languages through diverse platforms, including helplines, mobile outreach, and in-person group activities. 🫶 Read more on Psychological First Aid provided through helplines below: https://ow.ly/iGVf50Rsvtx #EU4Health #IFRC #PsychosocialFirstAid #PFA

In the Operational Plan for Northwest #Syria that we designed for World Health Organization, six key principles emerged from the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, which are especially relevant for the multi-sectoral MHPSS response:  1. Participation of Affected People: Engaging communities in designing and implementing support to foster ownership and genuine needs addressing.   2. Human Rights and Equity: Ensuring #inclusive approaches for all to access humanitarian aid.   3. Multi-layered Support: Acknowledging the diverse impacts of emergencies and providing complementary interventions to meet different groups' needs effectively.  4. Build on Available Resources: Leveraging existing resources and capacities to strengthen the response.  5. Do No Harm: Emphasizing culturally appropriate support to mitigate risks of harm and ensure relevance to local context.  6. Integrated Support Systems: Collaborative efforts among various actors to provide a range of supports tailored to individual needs.    #Making_Impact one project at a time 🌟    For deeper insights, check out the full document "Prioritized Multi-Sectoral Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Actions in Response to the Earthquake" here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://lnkd.in/eYY55ybZ     #DesignForGood #MentalHealth #OperationalPlan #Limelight  #MHPSS #HumanitarianAid #SyriaCrisis #ReadMore

🚨 The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in an estimated 15 million people needing psychosocial support, with millions potentially requiring medical treatment. A very severe problem is that access to mental health services continues to be impeded by stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations. Psychosocial support is extremely important for those, especially children experiencing conflict, displacement, family separation, witnessing atrocities, and other life-threatening events. 📢 It is paramount to raise awareness about the importance of early psychological support and provide information on common signs, symptoms, and reactions to stress and distress. The need for psychological support is greater than ever. 💔 Failure to provide children from Ukraine with proper treatment and adequate support may result in long-lasting effects that can negatively impact not only themselves but also their families and communities. 🧡 🌍 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC recognized Mental health and psychological support as a crucial and lifesaving emergency response. That is why thousands of volunteers and staff members of the National Red Cross Societies have taken part in the Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) training. Assistance is provided in Ukrainian and other languages through diverse platforms, including helplines, mobile outreach, and in-person group activities. 🫶 Read more on Psychological First Aid provided through helplines below: https://ow.ly/1OWA50Rsvty #EU4Health #IFRC #PsychosocialFirstAid #PFA

"IASC Guidance Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding" is here! This report represents a significant leap forward in our collective efforts to strengthen the integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within peacebuilding initiatives. Key Highlights: 🔹 Developed in response to the UN Secretary-General's 2020 call, this guidance is a collaborative effort led by the IASC MHPSS Reference Group. 🔹 It builds upon the UNDP guidance note on integrating MHPSS in peacebuilding, offering a holistic framework for humanitarian and peacebuiliding actors, policymakers, and donors. 🔹 The report synthesizes global best practices and insights drawn from field experiences in 28 countries, lessons from case studies, and global consultations. Why It Matters: 💡 This guidance not only outlines the current landscape of MHPSS and peacebuilding but also addresses common challenges and proposes innovative solutions. 💡 It underscores the importance of grassroots involvement, including the roles of women, young people, and diverse communities, in fostering sustainable peace and mental well-being. 💡 As professionals in this field, this document can significantly inform and enhance our work in humanitarian, post-conflict, and development settings. Let's embrace this opportunity to deepen our understanding and improve our practices in integrating MHPSS and peacebuilding. I encourage my network to read and share this valuable resource. Together, we can make a profound impact in communities worldwide. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ewmjNRWn #MHPSS #Peacebuilding #wellbeing Zeinab Hijazi (MSc, PsyD) Melissa Nozell Henia Dakkak Megan Leigh Bahmad Rita Angelini Gitte Ashcroft Nordentoft Heide Rieder

In times of conflict and disaster we can mobilise effectively to support children and young people, the situation in Gaza and our inability to mobilise our aid systems has further compounded the crushing sense of hopelessness so many of us have felt. We know that when we can finally mobilise our support, we need to support the whole family system in order to support the recovery of the most vulnerable children. Within Ukraine, Gaza and the Congo children and young people are enduring horrendous levels of psychological trauma, we know from studies such as Ming et al (2012) that child trauma is positively correlated with reduced life outcomes, higher risk of suicide, substance misuse and psychiatric illness. In order to make a return to psychological safety, children need a safe and attuned wider family system. We know that when we support parents, we can become more effective at supporting the child. Studies by Measham (2010), Sloane (2016) and Lambert (2014) all found significant correlations between maternal distress and trauma levels and psychological functioning within their children. With the advances in systemic working - especially therapeutic parenting programmes and dyadic work, including the wider family in our recovery programmes for traumatised populations is essential. If you would like to know more about our programmes or to talk to us to see if we can help, please do get in touch. #mhpss #Ukraine #Gaza #aid #childmentalhealth

As #political and #economic crises persist in regions like #Ukraine, #Yemen, and #Palestine and with the ongoing challenges of the #Covid19 pandemic, the mental struggles of displaced persons remain a pressing concern. That’s why I wanted to share with you my latest essay for my #HumanSecurity class. My essay focused on the critical issue of #mentalhealth in armed conflict, particularly among Syrian refugees. My essay explores the impact of trauma on the mental well-being of Syrian refugees, focusing on the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support in humanitarian responses. To do so, I conducted a #comparativestudy to analyze the accessibility of mental health resources for Syrian populations in two distinct settings: a European country, Germany, and a Middle Eastern country, Jordan. The recent news highlight the struggles of refugees worldwide. From exposure to violence, to limited access to essential resources in the host country, the insights from my research resonate deeply with what is currently happening in the world. My essay emphasizes the importance of prioritizing #mentalhealth in #humanitarian aid efforts and in #policyresponses. By addressing the long-term effects of trauma and advocating for accessible mental health care, we can work towards a safer and healthier future for all displaced populations. I would like to thank my Professor Nuno Pereira de Magalhães for giving me the opportunity to write on this very interesting subject, for his feedback throughout the process, and for awarding me the grade of 9/10 #HumanSecurity #MentalHealth

🇺🇦🌍 Since the conflict in Ukraine escalated, millions have been displaced, enduring unfathomable loss. The crisis has profoundly affected mental health, with WHO reporting one in five individuals suffering from mental health disorders in post-conflict settings. 🫶 Mental health and psychosocial support programs are among the most inexpensive activities in humanitarian response. Yet, their impact on those in need, especially when provided promptly after a disaster, can be invaluable. 🚨 Seeking to better meet the urgent mental health needs of individuals, particularly children impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC, The IFRC Psychosocial Centre, and National Red Cross Societies in Ukraine and 24 European countries have collaborated. 🤝 🇪🇺 Under the EU4Health programme they provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) trainings to staff and volunteers to better and more promptly address the mental health needs of children affected by the international armed conflict. 🔗Read more on Psychological First Aid (PFA): https://ow.ly/jiNq50Rp5NR #EU4Health #IFRC

There is so much going on in the world and in the news. As a fundraising professional in the #humanitarian sector, one of the more challenging parts of my job is knowing that interest and support often follow the news cycle. Even when a situation isn't making headlines, deeply critical needs remain within affected communities. In 2024, 5.5 million Haitians—roughly half the country's population—will require humanitarian assistance. Ukraine continues to experience brutal airstrikes, targeting critical infrastructure like the Ohmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv; and about 10 million Ukrainians are at risk of developing or currently living with mental health disorders. In Latin America and the Caribbean, 25 million people are projected to be forcibly displaced this year. Migrants are disproportionately vulnerable to injury, illness, violence, and trauma—often going months without health care. If #philanthropy or a commitment to helping others is important to you, I encourage you not to wait for drastic headlines to act. Instead, continue to support organizations like Project HOPE throughout the year to ensure resources are always available and lifesaving programming continues after the headlines fade. www.projecthope.org/donate #donoradvisedfunds #charitablegiving #humanitarianaid

🇳🇬 From a beloved radio drama to large-scale community health worker interventions, Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria and our partners have implemented reliable social and behavior change strategies and developed creative new methods to inspire healthy behaviors. 🌟 As we look back on years of impact, we're highlighting a story by CCP's Usman Usman Sabo where the project helped community members on local Ward Development Committees overcome funding challenges, enabling them to lead and sustain their own health initiatives. 🔗 Read his story and explore more from the CCP-led USAID-funded project to see what the next chapter holds for Nigeria: https://bit.ly/3yU6b2U #GlobalHealth #SBC #CapacityStrengthening

My gratitude to Dubravka Suzic and Linda Andersson from UNHCR for inviting me to join them in a fascinating 2 days discussions on how to protect our people through Psychosocial Risk Management. My key take aways: • Preventing psychological injury amongst humanitarian staff could save Billions in the sector (working days lost, rotation, retention, hours lost to conflict, etc.) In an increasingly difficult funding environment we need to take this seriously • Many senior and middle managers care - supporting them is critical • Legal frameworks are rapidly getting stricter (ie. Australia, upcoming UE directives). • The UN mental health strategy is a valuable protective framework We can improve with our existing tools and practices. Ie. At ICRC by acting on the results of the OurVoice engagement results and consulting staff on how to organize and manage work and the work environment in a healthier way.