Training for Community Psychosocial Support in Tirana, Albania
The Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia participated in an interactive training on mental health and community-based psychosocial support, held in the period of September 16 to 20, 2024, in Tirana, Albania. The Red Cross of North Macedonia was represented by 2 volunteers and 1 co-facilitator, a psychologist from the Center for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. The training was organized by the IFRC Central and Southeast Europe Cluster Delegation, in collaboration with the Albanian Red Cross and the IFRC Reference Center for Psychosocial Support.
The training focused on building the capacities of the Albanian Red Cross and volunteers from other national societies engaged in community-based psychosocial activities. It enabled participants to enhance their skills in designing and implementing community-based psychosocial support activities, based on the ongoing capacity strengthening within mental health programs.
To further improve the capacity of the mental health program and share experiences and best practices, the Red Cross of North Macedonia, Albanian Red Cross, Croatian Red Cross, and Red Cross of Serbia exchanged knowledge and practices. They also further developed skills to implement mental health activities that are needs-based and of high quality, tailored to the current needs of vulnerable people. Furthermore, the CBMHPSS training allowed national societies to enhance the quality of services for affected individuals. The training covered the following key topics:
- Crisis events and psychosocial support
- Coping with stress
- Loss and grief
- Psychosocial support for vulnerable groups
- Community-based psychosocial support activities
- Psychological first aid with peers and with older adults
- Principles of adult learning, peer support systems, and safe feedback
- Awareness of the need for and importance of self-care when helping others.
