Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 2: Addressing mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies (33IC/19/R2) – Red Cross of Montenegro

Has your State/National Society/Institution incorporated the commitments contained in this resolution into the relevant strategic or operational plans?

The commitments are incorporated into:
Strategy
Operational plan
Legislation (e.g. Law, Regulation, Statutes, Rules of Procedure etc.)

At the National, Local level

Explanation:

The Red Cross of Montenegro Development Strategy 2023-2026 recognizes and prioritizes mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Key objectives include the promotion, prevention and protection of mental health and psychosocial well-being, raising awareness about the importance of mental health and psychosocial well-being, increasing the number of staff and volunteers trained in MHPSS, and ensuring that the Red Cross of Montenegro is recognized for the quality of its mental health and psychosocial support services. This has been done through developing and implementing MHPSS training programs, capacity building, awareness-raising, community based MHPSS, thereby strengthening local and community resilience and the capacities of staff and volunteers.
Additionally, RC of Montenegro is recognized as key actor in providing psychosocial support within several national strategies. These include: National Emergency response Strategy, Disaster risk reduction Strategy, and Migration and reintegration Strategy. RC of Montenegro’s operational plans are structured to align with these strategic objectives and other projects to ensure effective implementation on the local and national level. Furthermore, collaboration with relevant partners ensure that MHPSS efforts are coordinated nationally across various governmental and non-governmental bodies.
To ensure that Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services are not only strategic priorities but also mandated by organizational regulations and legislation, the Law and Statute of the Red Cross of Montenegro formalize the provision of psychosocial support to people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. This ensures compliance and accountability at the national level, as the Red Cross of Montenegro executes public services as detailed by law and has an auxiliary role to state bodies in the humanitarian sphere, including the provision of psychosocial support

Has your State/National Society/Institution been working with other partners to implement the commitments contained in this resolution?

Partner with:
Government and/or public authorities
ICRC/IFRC
Humanitarian and development partners (e.g. UN, NGOs etc.)

Examples of cooperation:

Besides having an auxiliary role to the government, the RC of Montenegro (RCM) has a role in civil protection and emergency response, with a strong emphasis on providing psychosocial support. It maintains solid partnerships with emergency management/social welfare authorities. With a nationwide presence through its branches and volunteers, the RC of Montenegro is fully prepared to deliver essential psychosocial support and other services during emergencies.

As part of the Movement, the RCM enjoys excellent cooperation with the IFRC, which provides vital technical and financial support for the RCM’s MHPSS initiatives and long-term development programs. This collaboration ensures that RCM has the necessary resources and expertise to effectively deliver MHPSS services during emergencies and crises. Furthermore, cooperation with IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial support provide RCM with specialized knowledge and services in MHPSS.

Additionally, the RC of Montenegro is actively involved in several European associations, including the European Red Cross and Red Crescent Network for Psychosocial Support. Participation in these association not only enhances the RCM’s capacity to provide effective psychosocial support, but also facilitates sharing best practices, learning from others’ experiences, and collaborating on initiatives that promote community resilience and well-being across Europe.
The RC of Montenegro collaborates with various international organizations, such as UNHCR and UNICEF, to strengthen its MHPSS initiatives, ensuring comprehensive support for people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies. For instance, in collaboration with UNHCR, RCM has been able to provide comprehensive psychosocial and psychological support, as well as medical assistance to asylum seekers and people granted international protection, including translation and interpreting services. The focus of this program is on individual support that ensures full access to rights for these groups.
Additionally, with support from UNICEF, RCM volunteers and employees have provided support for education and organized various MHPSS sessions for children and parents. This initiative also aimed to raise awareness about preventing discrimination and promoting non-violent communication among peers.

Have you encountered any challenges in implementing the commitments contained in this resolution?

With challenges on:
Human resources
Funding constraints

Details about challenges:

Human resources: Despite having experienced and committed staff, the needs of communities RCM supports often exceed its capacity. Additionally, there is a higher turnover rate among volunteers, many of whom leave their hometowns for education, thereby ending their volunteering engagement. Moreover, a significant percentage of volunteers are minors, placing most MHPSS activities in the hands of trained staff and professionals.

Funding constraints: the development of MHPSS relies heavily on project-based funding without stable income sources. This dependency on intermittent projects hinders sustainability and consistency in providing essential MHPSS services.

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the work and direction of your State/National Society/Institution?

Type of Impact:
Cooperation between Government/public authorities and National Society has been strengthened
Programming and operations have become more effective and efficient
Partnerships with other humanitarian actors have been created or enhanced
Increase in mobilization of resources
Training and capacity of staff and volunteers has increased (for National Societies)

Details about the impact:

Although cooperation between the government/public authorities and RCM existed prior to the resolution, the commitments within the resolution have significantly strengthened and increased the focus on MHPSS. The resolution has provided a formal framework that prioritizes mental health and psychosocial support, which has led to more structured and strategic collaboration.

The commitments outlined in the resolution have guided RCM’s programming and operations, focusing on evidence-based practices, promoting a cross-sectoral, multi-layered approach to MHPSS, ensuring efficient use of resources, and emphasizing the need for increased investment in this area. As a result, RCM’s programming and operations have become more effective and efficient.

Furthermore, based on our past efforts, visibility, and accomplishments in the MHPSS field, various donors have recognized RCM as a reliable national society that has consistently demonstrated impact and effectiveness, attracting more funds from diverse international and bilateral partners such as UNHCR, UNICEF, and Movement partners. As a result, RCM was able to expand its reach and impact in MHPSS.

There has been a significant focus on training and capacity-building for RCM staff and volunteers. RCM has conducted numerous workshops and trainings to equip personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge in MHPSS and PFA, resulting in NS strengthened capacity and capability in addressing mental health and psychosocial needs.

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the communities that your State/National Society/Institution serves?

Description of the impact:

MHPSS programming plays a crucial role in addressing the psychosocial needs of vulnerable populations affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies. This report evaluates the impact of programs specifically focusing on MHPSS during two active crises
during reporting period: the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crises. The support was specially focusing on priority target groups including children, older adults, persons with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, people with mental health conditions and single-headed families.

COVID-19 crisis response: During the COVID-19 pandemic, helpline for psychosocial support was established where trained RC staff and psychologists provided necessary support. This type of assistance was very important as people found themselves in changed environment that caused the feelings of uncertainty, isolation and fear. In addition, psychosocial support was provided to the volunteers who were involved in the response, through constant communication, support and supervision of their work. Home visits were also organized for the most vulnerable cases respecting all preventive measures. Visits were short and used for clean-up and preparation of meals, as well as provision of basic psychosocial support, respecting all the protective equipment and practicing social distancing. From the beginning of the project, 15,139 persons received psycho-social support from RCM.

Ukraine crises: Since the beginning of the armed conflict in Ukraine, the IFRC has been providing funding support to the RCM to respond adequately to the needs of Ukrainian citizens who have entered Montenegro. With the provided support, RCM has invested in training and structures for delivering mental health and psychosocial support to those affected by the crisis. Some of the implemented MHPSS activities include awareness-raising sessions, support groups, Psychological First Aid (PFA), counseling, safe referrals, and recreational, creative, and cultural exchange activities with the host community. These activities aim to alleviate psychological distress and enhance the well-being and resilience of individuals and communities affected by the crisis. Child-friendly spaces have been established, and necessary equipment has been provided. Mainstreaming and integrating MHPSS into key activities has had an invaluable impact, providing both immediate and long-term support. This helps affected people to heal and recover from the immense stress they have endured over the past two years and continue to experience. Since the beginning of the project, 3,150 people have been reached with MHPSS activities.