Improving psychosocial support in Jordanian host communities

Project description

Title: Psychosocial Support and Trauma Work in Jordan
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) as part of the special initiative Tackling the Root Causes of Displacement – Reintegrating Refugees
Country: Jordan
Lead executing agency: Jordanian Ministry of Health
Overall term: 2017 to 2023

Context

With the 2030 Agenda and its own national strategies, the Jordanian Government is committed to improving mental health and psychosocial support services in communities that have taken in Syrian displaced persons. These strategies include the Jordan Response Plan to the Syria Crisis (2020), the National Mental Health Policy (2011) and the National Mental Health and Substance Use Action Plan (2018-2026).

However, the health care system is barely able to meet the high demand for professional services. This applies both to state-run health centres and community-based organisations.

Objective

The range and quality of psychosocial support services provided by the state and civil society have improved.

Approach

The project increases the effectiveness of psychosocial support for Syrian displaced persons and Jordanian host communities. Initial and further training courses for people working in the health care system impart the necessary expertise and skills. Participants come from the state health centres in Sahab, Mafraq and Zarqa and from community-based organisations.

Employee welfare and self-care measures help to keep the health care staff themselves healthy. Interdisciplinary national and community-based dialogue events raise awareness of the topic of mental health and psychosocial services.

Moreover, the project is establishing a course on community-based psychosocial support at Yarmouk University. It is also implementing a strategy for the sustainable integration of mental health and psychosocial support services.

Last update: August 2021