Danish Red Cross

MHPSS

Mental health and psychosocial needs increase considerably after emergencies and in situations involving armed conflict. Although the needs are not always visible, they are real, urgent and can be life-threatening. Unfortunately, a majority of people with such needs do not seek help, due to a lack of access to suitable care and treatment as well as a perceived stigma.

How we work with mental health and psychosocial support

At Danish Red Cross, we recognise the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity and we are committed to supporting people affected by conflict, disasters, migration or displacement with regard to promoting, achieving and sustaining mental health and psychosocial wellbeing.

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is part of our work with emergency recovery, as well as long-term programming.
We aim to prevent further distress and promote mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, primarily by providing support to national society activities while also ensuring referral to other levels of care.
Our approach aims to promote a sense of safety, calm, self and community efficacy, connectedness and hope while building resilience and empowering people to negotiate and navigate to the resources they need.