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) – Georgia Red Cross Society

Votre État/Société nationale/institution a-t-il/elle incorporé les engagements contenus dans cette résolution dans les plans stratégiques ou opérationnels pertinents ?

Au National niveau

Précisions :

Along with the commitment, Georgia Red Cross Society (GRCS) MHPSS Strategy was updated to integrate all the agreed-upon commitments. Here is excerpt from the Strategy:
The MHPSS directions is responsible for planning and implementing as well as Monitoring and Evaluation of various MHPSS services, in the frames of the GRCS ongoing project. The GRCS MHPSS Expert/Focal Point, the MHPSS Coordinator and team, together with well-trained GRCS volunteers are ensuring protection and timely assistance of people affected by emergency situations, provision of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and further psychosocial rehabilitation to prevent distress.
The volunteers are mobilized and trained in providing psychosocial support volunteers, as a part of the GRCS MHPSS network, on the basis of the GRCS branches and in close cooperation with stakeholders and local authorities.
Besides the above-mentioned activities, the GRCS MHPSS team is responsible for Hotline assistance: provision of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and relevant information (e.g. in case of pandemics: information about Covid-19, Home-based Care, existing state- and nonstate services, including MHPSS services) to general population. These activities are implemented through mobilizing volunteers who are trained in delivering PFA and relevant information, which are provided through the Hotline, under the supervision of the GRCS MHPSS staff members.

Votre État/Société nationale/institution a-t-il/elle coopéré avec d’autres partenaires aux fins de la mise en œuvre des engagements contenus dans cette résolution ?

Partenariats avec :
Gouvernement et/ou autorités publiques
CICR/Fédération internationale

Exemples de coopération :

The establishment of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordination Platform by the GRCS in response to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing MHPSS needs during emergencies. Initially involving 22 state and non-state organizations and professional groups, the platform provided free Remote MHPSS services to the general population during the pandemic, the Ukraine crisis, and the Shovi Disaster. By 2023, the platform expanded to include more than 30 organizations and professional groups, focusing on offering face-to-face and remote consultations for Ukrainians. Additionally, the platform operates in emergency mode during disasters, such as the Shovi Disaster, ensuring swift response and support when needed. The development of the Platform’s Terms of Reference (ToR) document and regular online meetings signify a structured and collaborative approach to coordination and management. Led and coordinated by the GRCS, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordination Platform plays a vital role in facilitating access to MHPSS services during crises, underscoring the organization’s commitment to community well-being and resilience.

Partner with:

The GRCS MHPSS team has worked with Ministry of Health, Tourism Administration Department, Migration Department, Tbilisi City Hall, Municipalities in different regions of Georgia, UNHCR.

Ministry of Health – Raising awareness about MHPSS and free of charge MHPSS services collected through the GRCS MHPSS Coordination Platform during Covid-19 – distributing leaflets;
Tourism Administration Department – Since the beginning of armed conflict in Ukraine, lots of displaced people arrived in Georgia. The Tourism Administration Department provided the GRCS with information for reaching Ukrainians who were accommodated by them. Main goal was to find out mental health needs of Ukrainian refugees and to offer/refer to free of charge MHPSS services.
Migration Department – Since the beginning of armed conflict in Ukraine, Migration Department who was actively involved in granting Ukrainians of refugee status. Accordingly, Migration Department supported the GRCS by distributing MHPSS leaflets among Ukrainians.
Tbilisi City Hall – As mentioned above, since the announcement of Covid-19 pandemic, the GRCS established a hotline supporting the population in various directions, in close cooperation with Tbilisi City Hall. In addition to the PFA, products and hygiene packages were distributed among those in need, which was also carried out in close coordination with Tbilisi City Hall.
Municipalities in different regions of Georgia – It should be noted that the GRCS comprises 39 branches across Georgia. As a result, all activities or events are conducted in close coordination with the local authorities.
UNHCR – UNHCR is very actively involved in responding to the crisis in Ukraine, particularly in ensuring the well-being of Ukrainians in Georgia. The GRCS MHPSS team is involved in a coordination platform established by UNHCR, which brings together several governmental and non-governmental organizations. Volunteers working with the Ukrainian refugees (and not only) were trained in basic MHPSS, by the GRCS MHPSS experts, within the framework of partnership with UNHCR.

Vous êtes-vous heurté·e à des difficultés dans la mise en œuvre des engagements contenus dans cette résolution?

Les engagements contenus dans cette résolution ont-ils eu une ou des incidences sur l’action et les orientations de votre État/Société nationale/institution ?

Type d’incidence :
La coopération entre le gouvernement/les autorités publiques et la Société nationale a été renforcée.
Les programmes et les opérations sont devenus plus efficaces et plus efficients.
Des outils/méthodes innovateurs ont été élaborés et sont utilisés.
Des partenariats avec d’autres acteurs humanitaires ont été noués ou renforcés
La mobilisation de ressources a été renforcée
La formation et les capacités du personnel et des volontaires ont été renforcées (pour les Sociétés nationales).

Précisions au sujet des incidences :

After commitments, the GRCS updated the Strategy and enhanced the MHPSS approach with greater specificity, which has positively influenced MHPSS direction. This enhancement has brought more solidity, sustainability, structure, and legitimacy to MHPSS activities. The updated strategy has helped the GRCS to maintain the sustainability of existing initiatives.

Les engagements contenus dans cette résolution ont-ils eu des incidences sur les communautés auxquelles votre État/Société nationale/institution vient en aide ?

Description des incidences :

The GRCS has consistently conducted field visits across Georgia in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, and the GRCS hotline remained actively engaged, offering support in various areas such as advocacy and insurance. Since the onset of the armed conflict in Ukraine, the GRCS has undertaken various supportive activities. A clear plan was established, and Child-Friendly Spaces were set up, where well-trained volunteers in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi – cities with the largest Ukrainian populations – have been conducting ongoing psychosocial activities in schools. The GRCS developed standard operating procedures, guidelines, and policies for a winter camp hosted by GRCS for children from Ukraine, which was rich in psychosocial activities. Additionally, Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) components were integrated into all the initiatives. Both well-trained volunteers and GRCS psychologists were actively involved in the camp. Furthermore, the Shovi disaster strategy enabled us to follow a step-by-step plan and engage in a comprehensive 1.5-month response.