The team of psychologists of the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" completed a two-day training in advanced training on the integration of mental health, psychosocial support and provision of livelihoods. The training took place within the framework of projects of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) funded by the German government through the German Development Bank KfW.
During the event, which was held by Maria Vlasenko, IOM's Chief Specialist in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, 10 participants received information about livelihood, the goals of this approach and developed their skills as facilitators.
"On January 30-31, we conducted a two-day training with our implementing partner NGO Association for Democratic Development. We train future facilitators to provide psychosocial support for participants in livelihood projects. Having improved their skills with the help of the International Organization for Migration, facilitators will provide psychosocial support to residents of communities.The training is aimed at developing soft skills, communication skills, stress resistance, which they will definitely need in this profession. I can say that no other organization is engaged in integration assistance in both components ― mental health and livelihood. Therefore, I believe that this will greatly help specialists to build their potential in the field of psychosocial support. We do not want to leave our facilitators, whom we have trained, so we are always ready to provide such professional support in the future, "― said about the event Ms. Maria.
During the group activity, the participants practically practiced mental health and psychosocial support modules adapted for participants of livelihood projects, after which they discussed their impressions and received feedback from the trainer. "It was interesting, accessible, creative. This training allowed me to take a different look at the integration of mental здоровʼя and psychosocial support. Gained new practical skills, updated and supplemented, systematized knowledge, "― shared her impressions with Ms. Tatyana, participant of the training.
"I tried myself in a new role ― facilitator. This is a new experience, a new vision of working with people. Be sure to add what I heard and saw in my "chest of skill." Thank you for the opportunity, "― added Ms. Nelia, one of the facilitators of the project.
The final part of the training was devoted to planning activities for the integration of mental здоровʼя, psychosocial support and provision of livelihoods for residents of the Chernihiv region. "This training was another step towards the integration of psychosocial support and provision of livelihoods in the communities of the Chernihiv region. The acquired knowledge and skills will help facilitators to work effectively with people in need of support and contribute to their professional development, "― summed up Olena Antonenko.
