Analysis of Extensive Psychosocial Crisis Support Provision
Crisis situations caused by natural disasters, armed conflicts, mass migration, or other serious disruptions are becoming increasingly frequent. In such scenarios, providing psychosocial support is crucial to help those in need cope with stress and emotional shock resulting from the crisis.
Psychosocial crisis support (PCS) offers psychological and social assistance to individuals and communities who have experienced stressful or traumatic events, with the aim of improving their psychosocial well-being and reducing the risk of mental health disorders.
International studies have shown that timely and accessible psychosocial support is critical to preventing the worsening of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
In Estonia, there is no comprehensive overview of PCS practices in local governments. Furthermore, there is a lack of understanding regarding the capacity for providing PCS, factors that could enhance this capacity, collaboration opportunities, and lessons from other countries’ experiences to serve as models for Estonia.
The aim of the study is to map the current state of PCS (practices and challenges in local governments) and, based on this, to develop recommendations for better response to large-scale crises and for providing PCS more efficiently and flexibly.
The research methods will include personal, group, and focus group interviews, as well as telephone surveys. Secondary sources will also be analyzed. To validate the results and develop recommendations and solutions, IBS will organize a co-creation workshop.