Setting Advocate Teams for Mental Health and Psychosocial Response During Emergencies

A UNICEF-coordinated training workshop on how to provide mental health and psychosocial support for persons affected by emergencies in the Middle East and North Africa region was opened in Amman today.

“Experience has shown that armed conflicts and natural disasters leave a long-lasting psychological and social impact wherever they occur,” said Sue Prosser, Psychosocial Support Expert at UNICEF’s Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa. “It is essential that humanitarian actors know how to protect the mental health and well-being of persons affected by emergencies.”

Participants will form teams of Advocates per country working on the adoption and use of essential guidelines on how to offer mental health and psychosocial support in emergency situations. In the event of an emergency, the Advocate Teams members will be called upon to immediately assist from any location in the world.

“Protecting and responding to the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of people is essential not only in times of emergencies but also in times of stability. This must include populations who seek sanctuary across borders. It is key to normal recovery” said Alison Shafer from World Vision International and member of the regional Advocates Committee.

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