AFGHAN DIASPORA LEARNING SERIES Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

AFGHAN DIASPORA LEARNING SERIES

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

We are excited to invite you to join our new online learning series on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) designed specifically for Afghans in the diaspora. This initiative, hosted by the DRC Diaspora Programme and Seefar, aims to equip participants with essential tools to provide non-specialized psychosocial support towards Afghanistan. It also introduces techniques for self-care and resilience, enhancing participants’ capacity to maintain their strength and efforts in the long term. All events are conducted in English, Dari, and Pashto, with simultaneous interpretation available.

Background

Decades of conflict and ongoing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan have significantly impacted the mental health and well-being of its people. Today, millions are in need of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), with women and girls particularly at risk of depression and anxiety. From the diaspora, Afghans are playing a crucial role in providing emotional support to their family, friends, and communities within Afghanistan. This learning series aims to acknowledge that and build upon these efforts by inviting you to a line of activities focused on MHPSS: One Opendoor Webinar and one Online Private Workshop in two parts.  

Who Can Join? 

All members of the Afghan diaspora interested in enhancing their skills and knowledge within Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) are encouraged to join, regardless of their previous experience. Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who may find it relevant.

Learning Series Overview

8 August 2024, 15-16h CEST – Opendoor Webinar
The Opendoor Webinar will provide an overall introduction to key concepts and core elements of MHPSS. It will explore the role of the Afghan diaspora in providing emotional support to people inside Afghanistan. During the webinar attendance is anonymized to ensure a comfortable environment for questions and learning. 
Register for the Open Door Webinar here (Deadline for registration: 5 August 2024)

20 August 2024, 15-17h CEST – Online Private Workshop, Part 1
Part 1 of the Online Private Workshop will focus on personal well-being by providing a range of self-care techniques to manage stress and emotional challenges. Participants will explore practical strategies for MHPSS within the diaspora, emphasizing the crucial role of self-care in effectively supporting others.

22 August 2024, 15-17h CEST – Online Private Workshop, Part 2
Part 2 of the Online Private Workshop will focus on applying the techniques learnt in Part 1 to providing emotional support to others. It will introduce tools for Psychosocial Support, including Psychosocial First Aid, Active and Empathetic Listening and more. Part 1 and Part 2 of the Online Private Workshop are conducted in a small private group of 15 participants.
Register for the Online Private Workshop Part 1 & 2 here (Deadline for registration: 11 August 2024) 

Next Steps 

All members of the Afghan diaspora are encouraged to register for this Learning Series. All registrants for the webinar (8 August) will receive a ZOOM link a few days before the event. The workshop (20 & 22 August) is limited to 15 participants, selected to ensure a balanced group. You will be notified of your status by email within two days after the registration deadline. If invited to participate, please confirm your availability by responding to the email, or your place may be offered to someone on the waiting list.

All learning events are conducted in English, Dari and Pashto, with
simultaneous interpretation available and under the Chatham House Rule.