This psychosocial support program is designed for victims of a crisis; the program is structured and described in a manner that allows for application in any future crises that might occur.
The Stand-alone psychosocial program model presented by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is selected for this purpose. This is a type of program with independent staff and an autonomous budget, operating as a separate administrative unit, though it is implemented in collaboration and cooperation with other response sectors during a crisis (Hansen, 2009).
The following steps are taken to implement the psychosocial support program:
1. Assessment of Needs and Resources
Immediately following a crisis, an assessment is conducted to determine the extent to which people are affected, their specific needs, available services, and the presence of other organizations in the field. An overall analysis is performed first; after identifying general needs, a more detailed analysis of the community is executed (Magdan, 2008). In general, a needs assessment collects information regarding demographics, the physical and emotional impact of the crisis, the capacity and resources available within the community for self-help, and requirements for psychosocial well-being (Hansen, 2009).
The needs of affected people can change over time; initially, it is important to consider that rescue efforts, food, safety, shelter, and healthcare are the primary requirements. Other needs, such as psychosocial support, respect, and comfort, may follow (Karancı & Ünal, 2023). All staff involved in the assessment are required to respect professional ethics and the principles of humanitarian aid: do no harm, remain aware of and respect cultural or ethnic concerns, and maintain confidentiality (Jong, 2011).
2. Psychosocial First Aid
It is essential for all staff to understand that people affected by a crisis may require access to basic psychosocial support, specifically psychosocial first aid (PFA). It is ensured that all staff members are trained to provide at least basic psychosocial first aid (IASC, 2010). PFA can be provided immediately after a crisis by healthcare workers, humanitarian aid workers, and volunteers (Kestel, Estévez, & Rodríguez, 2012).
Staff are informed that not everyone experiencing a crisis event will need or want psychosocial first aid; therefore, it is important to avoid forcing help on individuals who do not desire or require it, remaining instead available to those who may seek support (World Health Organization & War Trauma Foundation and World Vision, 2011).
3. Specialized Care
Cases involving complex mental disorders are placed under specialized care. To achieve this, a pre-assessment is conducted to explore available options within the mental health system, including the availability of mobilized mental health resources for crisis situations. Direct specialized clinical care is provided for victims with mental disorders. Finally, priority is given to highly vulnerable groups, such as older persons, individuals with pre-existing mental disorders, and pregnant women (Kestel, Estévez, & Rodríguez, 2012).
4. Health Education
Throughout the support program, education is provided in clear and simple terms regarding stress reactions, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors exhibited during a crisis. It is ensured that participants understand that their feelings are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. This is accomplished through seminars, group meetings, gatherings, and engagement activities. It is preferable to combine psychosocial health education with other activities, such as aid distributions, to encourage higher participation and benefit (Karancı & Ünal, 2023).
5. Coordination
To maintain an effective mental health and psychosocial support program, coordination with other active actors during the crisis is required. Proper coordination increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the program (IASC, 2007). Coordination and networking with other actors ensure the program remains updated. This allows staff to understand available resources, helping them direct people to the correct services and avoiding misdirection that could cause mistrust (Karancı & Ünal, 2023).
6. Community Empowerment
People are encouraged and assisted to participate in the reconstruction of their community, with the goal of fostering confidence and improving self-esteem (Colliard, Bizouerne, & Corna). Community organizations and leaders are identified, community members are included in planning, and individuals are encouraged to help themselves and others while taking part in implementing crisis actions (Kestel, Estévez, & Rodríguez, 2012).
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
A monitoring mechanism is established to track changes in symptoms related to anxiety, distress, and depression, and to monitor the progress of daily activities (ICRC, 2016). Depending on the level of emergency and the response timeline, monitoring begins daily, transitions to weekly, and eventually continues on a monthly or quarterly basis (Hansen, 2009).
Evaluations are also conducted to determine if the crisis response is effective and if changes are required for future program improvements (Seynaeve, 2001). Program evaluations are scheduled for the midpoint of the response. Results from the midterm evaluation are utilized to make necessary adjustments and improvements for the remainder of the program (Hansen, 2009).
References
Colliard, C., Bizouerne, C., & Corna, F. (n.d.). THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF HUMANITARIAN CRISES - A BETTER UNDERSTANDING FOR BETTER INTERVENTIONS. Paris: Action contre la Faim.
Hansen, P. (2009). Psychosocial interventions - A Handbook. Copenhagen: International Federation Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support.
IASC. (2010). Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Emergencies: What Should Protection Programme Managers Know? Geneva: Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Global Protection Cluster Working Group and IASC Reference Group for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.
Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). (2007). IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. Geneva: IASC.
International Committee of the Red Cross. (2016). Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS): in brief. Geneva: ICRC.
Jong, K. d. (2011). PSYCHOSOCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN AREAS OF MASS VIOLENCE - A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH. Amsterdam: Rozenberg Publishing Services.
Karancı, A. N., & Ünal, Y. (2023). Psychosocial Support Guide for Disasters. Istanbul: Istanbul Project Coordination Unit (IPCU) of the Governorship of Istanbul.
Kestel, D., Estévez, J. T., & Rodríguez, J. (2012). Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Emergencies. In P. Bittner, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Disaster Situations in the Caribbean - Core Knowledge for Emergency Preparedness and Response (pp. 19-30). Washington: Pan American Health Organization.
Magdan, C. (2008). Implementation Guidelines for Psycho-Social Support in Disasters. Ankara: Turkish Red Crescent.
Seynaeve, G. (2001). Psycho-Social Support in situations of mass emergency. A European Policy Paper concerning different aspects of psychological support and social accompaniment for people involved in major accidents and disasters. Brussels: Ministry of Public Health.
World Health Organization, & War Trauma Foundation and World Vision. (2011). Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers. Geneva: WHO.