The Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) and partners recently hosted the The Psychosocial Support Forum (PSS). Under the theme ‘Mental health in Context’ the 2023 Regional PSS Forum explored the social, cultural, geographical and economic determinants of mental health. Individuals and organisations working on mental health came together to share innovations in mental health, collaborate, influence and review the related policies, and to enhance programmes and interventions towards mental health.
“Together with stakeholders we investigated important topics that impact mental health, such as climate change, disaster and humanitarian issues. At the same time there are emerging solutions in the form of localised community innovations, smart cash transfers, and others which we must explore,” says Patrick Onyango Mangen, REPSSI CEO.
Recommendations from the session include:
- Stigma around mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) , is still with us, there is a need to invest in safeguarding mechanisms for people working in the area of MHPSS and their clients. We need to enhance understanding on MHPSS at community, civil society and national level.
- Technology and media can be used to enhance the wellbeing of children. There is a lot of innovations e.g., work being done to use technology for child wellbeing. We need a mind shift to start harnessing such technologies for mental health.
- There is a gap in parenting skills for MHPSS. In a young people’s forum a request to help build caregivers skills in mental health was communicated. This will help caregivers to provide support to children and youth day to day with their MHPSS needs.
- Strategies to do more for the boys, support fathers in their role and challenge harmful masculinity should include women and girls.
- MHPSS definitions need to be simplified. There is a need to enhance skills and knowledge on MHPSS at community level (demystify MHPSS).
- Climate change is upon us, REPSSI needs to lead in mainstreaming MHPSS in climate change. A lot needs to be learnt on the MHPSS impact of climate change on children, youth and their families.
- Government partnerships need to focus on sexual reproductive health for women with disabilities. Public institutions should be trained in sign language to be able to interact with those with hearing impairments.
- There is a need for greater participation of traditional leaders and government officials in future, so that communities can start to see changes in the design and delivery of care for children and an end to child marriages.
The main forum was preceded by a meeting that brought together children and youth in the region, recognising that it is critical to learn from young people in order to develop effective and relevant mental health interventions.
Post the forum, REPSSI hopes strong collaboration networks would have been formed. These networks will see the recognition of African practises, innovations and solutions in the global mental health and psychosocial space. The organisation will continue to work with government and other stakeholders in ensuring the mental wellbeing of all children and communities.
About REPSSI
The Regional Psychosocial Support Initiatives (REPSSI) is a renowned pan African organisation that has been providing holistic psychosocial care and support to girls, boys and the youth in East and Southern Africa. The organisation was founded in 2002. Our programmes are spread across 13 countries and aim to respond to the psychosocial, mental health and social protection needs of children and families affected by: HIV and AIDS, conflict, poverty and social strife. Programmes are delivered through partnerships with regional bodies, national governments and non-governmental organisations.
REPSSI is renowned for the development of high quality, evidence-informed psychosocial support tools and resources, which are used globally within programmes and services for children, youth, families and communities. Through our programmes, children and youth who enjoy psychosocial and mental wellbeing are able to thrive, respond to life’s shocks and challenges and find opportunities in a complex and fast-changing world.
For more information, go to
Website: https://repssi.org/
