Mental health, forced displacement and recovery

Abstract

This article describes a pilot mental health and psychosocial support programme that was initiated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, after the massive in£ux of Iraqi refugees into Syria in 2006. The aim of the article is to provide:1) an overall description of the programme for refugees within an urban setting, including initial outcome data; and 2) a description of applying a theoretical model to in£uence programme design and evaluation.This programme, based on good practice, began in 2008.The programme stai implemented a three-fold approach, which included: comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support case management; community outreach and a psychosocial centre to provide a safe healing space; and inter-agency mental health and psychosocial support capacity building of the local mental health system and within the displaced community. The diierent components were eventually transferred at the end of 2011 to national ownership, in order to ensure national system building, ownership and sustainability. The programme has since been adjusted to apply to the recent acute internal emergency. Results of mixed-method monitoring and evaluation show signi¢cant outcomes, including reported improvement in wellbeing among programme participants.