Psychological assistance: in Kyiv participants learned to provide support to people in emergencies

On October 2-4, the training on the basics of providing psychosocial assistance in emergencies and crises was implemented in the capital of Ukraine. This is the first module of the second training course for psychologists.

The trainers are psychologists Olena Sudakova and Olesia Druzhyna. The training was attended by 25 practicing psychologists who work with people that have survived emergencies.

According to the trainers, during the first day of the training participants learned the emergencies and their impact, the basic principles of psychological assistance, a multilevel system of support in emergencies. During the second day, participants learned a multidisciplinary approach and case management in the field of mental health and psychosocial support. On the third day of the training, participants were introduced to the concept of human resources and the system of staff support in the process of working in emergencies.

"Most participants reported on the whole training as an important and relevant event. Among the positive details, participants noted the development of their own support systems according to the basic principles of the IASC, community mobilization, BASIC Ph in three variations, human resources and staff support system in emergencies, and specialized assistance. Among the positive effects, the high level of motivation of the group members, a high level of tolerance and empathy in the process of group interaction should be noted", the trainers emphasized.

The training-course was implemented within the "Crisis prevention and Peace building in Ukraine – Time to Act!" project, supported with German Federal Foreign Office’s funds by IFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen), Funding programme zivik.