The team of the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" implements the MLI (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Livelihoods Integration) approach, which involves the integration of PZPSP into the livelihood project implemented by the Chernihiv Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
What "MLI" is and why this approach has a better impact on the quality of life of people who have experienced traumatic events, we tell below.
The MLI (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Livelihoods Integration) — approach is an innovative program developed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It combines psychosocial support with economic assistance. This allows you to comprehensively help people who have experienced traumatic events, in particular as a result of conflicts and wars.
The main idea behind MLI is that mental health problems and economic difficulties are closely related. For example, a person suffering from anxiety or PTSD may have difficulty finding a job or running a business. On the other hand, unemployment and financial instability can worsen a person's mental state.
How the MLI approach works?
The integrated approach — program does not divide psychosocial and economic assistance into separate projects, but integrates them into a single process.
Improving skills — participants receive not only professional training, but also develop so-called "soft" skills (soft skills), such as stress management, communication, teamwork, which are critical for successful employment and adaptation.
Support groups — program involves the creation of mutual aid groups where participants can exchange experiences and provide each other with emotional support that helps overcome feelings of isolation.
Individual counseling — provides individual support from psychologists as needed.
This approach has been successfully applied by IOM in various countries, particularly in Ukraine, to assist internally displaced persons and other war victims. It has proven its effectiveness in restoring people's resilience and self-sufficiency.
The publication was prepared by the NGO "Association of Democratic Development" within the framework of the project component "Psychosocial support of vulnerable population groups in the communities of Chernihiv region" within the framework of the projects of the International Organization for Migration (IOM Ukraine)
