Psychosocial support training

On October 18-19, 2023, the Kyiv Regional Organization of the Ukrainian Red Cross organized a training session on psychosocial support in emergency situations (hereinafter referred to as PSP in emergency situations) for volunteers of the Kyiv Region Red Cross. The trainers were experienced experts from the National Committee of the TCHHU.

With the beginning of a full-scale war in Ukraine, a large part of the population began to need psychological first aid and psychosocial support (PSP). After all, we all faced the enormous stress associated with military actions and their consequences. All people have a different psyche, who has it more stable - can cope with this stressful situation on their own, others (of whom, unfortunately, the majority) need external support. PSP is the basic level of psychological assistance. If a person is provided with quality support at this level, it will help to avoid the further development of mental health problems. This PSP training in emergency conditions is now more relevant than ever, because it is precisely about how to properly provide this first aid.

The first day of the training was devoted to psychological first aid (PFD). The participants defined what PPA is, learned about PPA principles and reactions to crisis events. The second day was about PSP in emergency conditions. On this day, we also reviewed the structure of the PSP events and learned how to properly conduct them so that it was as interesting as possible, and most importantly, useful for the recipients of assistance.

Both days were accompanied by practical role-playing games that clearly demonstrated what reactions to stress can be and ways to calm down a person who is faced with extraordinary and crisis events. Schemes of events with PSP were also worked out, where those who wished could practice in the role of presenters and be in the place of the participants. At the end, everyone received certificates certifying participation in this training.

The knowledge gained by the volunteers is indispensable for the correct provision of PPD and effective implementation of PPD activities.