Local and refugee staff trained in psychosocial support
(LWI) - Eight months into the war in Ukraine, the needs of the refugee and host communities in Poland are shifting. What initially was primarily a cash-based response on behalf of the LWF will now be expanded into the areas of protection and social cohesion, as well as education. LWF equipped 48 staff from around the country with a workshop on community based psychosocial support (CBPS). Many of the staff are refugees themselves.
Through a variety of exercises the participants explored the core principles of mental health and psychosocial support, psychological first aid and good practices in support to people living through a humanitarian crisis. The training is offered through ACT Church of Sweden, the ACT Alliance lead member for work in this area of crisis response. It is one significant part of the LWF’s long-term crisis response, as it builds capacity for a gradual shift towards supporting people’s needs more holistically.