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) – Icelandic Red Cross

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

At the National, Local level

Explanation:

Mental health and Psychosocial support has been incorporated into the strategic framework and operational plan of the Icelandic Red Cross.

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

Partner with:
National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in your country
Government and/or public authorities
ICRC/IFRC
Other National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies
Humanitarian and development partners (e.g. UN, NGOs etc.)

Examples of cooperation:

The Icelandic Red Cross:
– is a partner in the Nordic MHPSS Steering Group and EN-MHPSS European network.
– is a part of the EU4Health project: Provision of quality and timely psychological first aid to people affected by Ukraine crisis in Ukraine and impacted countries.
– partners with public institution and non-governmental organizations in Iceland in terms of service provision and staff and volunteer training.
– takes part in the MHPSS coordination group in emergency settings with other first responders in Iceland.

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

With challenges on:
Human resources
Funding constraints
Competing priorities

Details about challenges:

Primary challenges include:

Lack of Human Resources: We have face difficulties in recruiting and retaining qualified staff and volunteers to deliver the necessary services and support, with increasing MHPSS needs. The shortage hinders our ability to meet the demands and ensure effective implementation of the resolution’s commitments.

Funding Constraints: Securing adequate funding remains a significant hurdle. While the EU4Health project has covered funding for some aspects of the MHPSS work, other areas remain underfunded. Limited financial resources restrict our capacity to expand our programs, provide comprehensive training, and procure essential materials needed for effective service delivery.

Competing Priorities: Balancing multiple priorities within our organization poses another challenge. In recent years, several natural disasters in Iceland have required significant focus and resources. As a result, we must allocate attention to these urgent needs alongside ongoing projects, which can sometimes detract from fully focusing on the resolution’s objectives.

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
Innovative tools/methodologies have been developed and are utilized
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:

Yes, the commitments have significantly impacted our work and direction on several levels:

Integration of PFA Training: The resolution has led us to include Psychological First Aid (PFA) training for all staff and volunteers across various projects. Whether or not the primary focus is Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), PFA is always a component.

Comprehensive Project Programming: PFA and MHPSS have become integral parts of all our project programming, ensuring that these elements are embedded in every initiative we undertake.

Scaling Up PFA Training: The Icelandic Red Cross is in the process of scaling up our PFA training programs. This includes extending from the 4-hour basic training to the more comprehensive 8.5-hour PFA training and the 8.5-hour PFA for children. Additionally, we are expanding PFA training to other languages, including English, Ukrainian, and soon Arabic and Spanish.

Enhanced Cooperation with Public Authorities: The resolution has increased our collaboration with public authorities in the field of MHPSS. Notable examples include MHPSS first responders training in response to the influx of people fleeing Ukraine and the provision of MHPSS services during natural disasters.

Increased Awareness: There is now heightened awareness among our management, staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries about the importance of MHPSS, leading to a more informed and responsive organizational culture.

Training of Trainers (ToT): Since signing the resolution, the Icelandic Red Cross has established a regular schedule for Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions, ensuring at least one session every other year to maintain and expand our training capacity.

These changes have collectively strengthened our ability to provide effective MHPSS services and integrate these essential components into all aspects of our work.

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

Description of the impact:

Yes, the commitments have had a profound impact on the communities served by the Icelandic Red Cross:
– Enhanced support during crises
– Increased accessibility to psychosocial support and resources
– Community resilience building
– Proactive preparedness in collaboration with public authorities
– The resolution has led to greater awareness and engagement with mental health issues among community members