7 CSOs received “Mental Health and Psychosocial Support” training by the IFRC within the EU-funded project

On 23-24 April 2024, in the framework of the EU-funded project called “Bridging the Gap between Community Needs and Local Capacities and Capabilities of the Civil Society Actors in Azerbaijan”, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) organised an Introduction to “Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)’’ training for 7 Civil Society Organisations (CSO) representatives.

The main objective of the training was to acknowledge the CSOs with the field of MHPSS in a humanitarian context with a focus on the MHPSS framework of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (RCRC).

The first day of the training was dedicated to the explanation of the MHPSS concept in general, the MHPSS pyramid of the RCRC Movement, introduction to psychological first aid (PFA), features of focused psychosocial support, community-based interventions, and trauma-informed approach.

The second day of the training was mostly devoted to psychological interventions. During the day, participants better understood the difference between psychosocial and psychological interventions and realised who could use the latter and in what situation. In addition, they acknowledged some evidence-based techniques which may be used when providing psychological support to the beneficiary.

Along with the theoretical information provided, practical exercises and group works were conducted to consolidate the information received and practice gained knowledge and skills. At the end of the training, participants received certificates.