In November 2019 researchers and practitioners in the field of mental health and psychosocial support gathered for a Festival of Research in Copenhagen.
The aim of the festival was to discuss and share mental health and psychosocial support research. To build new partnerships and to lead the way for better integration of research on mental health and psychosocial support into humanitarian organisations.
During two days in Copenhagen new research findings were shared. Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Wietse Tol, presented a study on research questions where he asked: What questions do we ask in research on mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings?
Kinan Aldamman, doctoral researcher at Trinity College Dublin and fellow at the PS Centre presented his study on volunteers mental health in Sudan.
“Supporting volunteers is vital. My study in Sudan shows that organisational structures as volunteer management are important to prevent mental disorders and promote well-being among humanitarian volunteers.”
Kinan Aldamman, @contexttrauma fellow @IFRC_PS_Centre @TCDCGH pic.twitter.com/A07LJS7YEI
— Psychosocial Centre (@IFRC_PS_Centre) November 5, 2019
The festival of Research was also a place for sharing the results from DRIVER project on how to train volunteers in psychological first aid.
Looking at such a broadly used tool as #PFA from different interesting angles: historic point of view, its evaluation, and new exciting ways of implementing and training. A great session! #MHPSSResearch2019@IFRC_PS_Centre@LeslieMSnider @rebeccarhorn @Mrthbrd @louisejuulhanse pic.twitter.com/pFz1YmxbzA
— The MHPSS Collaborative (@MHPSSCollabora1) November 5, 2019
Can we use virtual reality tools to train spontaneous volunteers in Psychological First Aid? @louisejuulhanse @IFRC_PS_Centre presenting results from @DRIVER_PROJECT at #mhpssresearch2019 #PFAforAll pic.twitter.com/VDQMWzV5vl
— Cecilie Dinesen (@ceciliedinesen) November 5, 2019
Two workshops were facilitated on day 2. Discussing ‘Research Partnerships and Funding’ and ‘Designing Research in an Operational Context’.
At the end of the meeting there was an election of a new coordination group, which now consist of 12 dedicated members.
If you are interested to know more about the research presented at the festival go to Twitter and use the #mhpssresearch2019.
