Concept for establishment of a system for delivery of psychological first aid and psycho- social support

On 09.07. 2021 the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia presented the concept for establishing a system for delivery of first psychological aid and psycho-social support to the population. The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Red Cross of RNM Sait Saiti, Elizabeta Gjorgievska wife of the President of RNM, Minister of Health Venko Filipce, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Policy Enver Husejin and a representative of the Ministry of Education Dushan Tomishic.

The center aims to provide long-term support for building civic and national capacities to provide psychosocial support to different target groups. The center will also provide psychosocial assistance and support to all citizens as well as to volunteers, employees and all beneficiaries of the services of the Red Cross of RSM.

The Center will establish and develop new methods that will be based on strong cross-sectoral cooperation between institutions, families, schools, employers and health professionals, as well as all other stakeholders in the crisis management system of the country, which will contribute to a more comprehensive response in the area of psychosocial support for people affected by crisis situations.

The Center will give a special contribution in providing systematic support and assistance to the population to preserve mental health in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy in order to overcome the stigma of promoting open conversation about mental health and seeking psychological support in case of need, as well as support for vulnerable target group.