Supporting Natural Disaster Victims: Mental Health Awareness Training for Helpers

The main objective of the project was to strengthen the capacity of first responders, volunteers, and community workers to provide effective mental and emotional support in disaster situations. We...

The main objective of the project was to strengthen the capacity of first responders, volunteers, and community workers to provide effective mental and emotional support in disaster situations. We aimed to equip them with key soft skills such as empathy, active listening, psychological first aid, cultural sensitivity, and stress management. To achieve this, we developed user-friendly, multilingual awareness raising resources. We also wanted to ensure that these resources would be accessible in real-life crisis conditions, which led to the creation of a mobile app and audio-based learning materials (podcasts). A further objective was to raise awareness among institutions and the public about the importance of emotional resilience in disaster response and to promote long-term integration of mental support skills in training programs. Overall, the project aimed to bridge the gap between technical preparedness and psychosocial readiness.

We carried out a series of well-structured activities across all partner countries. First, we conducted a needs assessment and stakeholder consultations to understand the real-world challenges faced by disaster helpers. Based on these findings, we developed a Resource Pack with modular information and training which provide comprehensive guidance and support to family and neighbours as helpers in natural disasters, enabling them to assist victims with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a better understanding of their mental health. This tool was integrated into an accessible e-platform and mobile app, both offering tailored feedback and learning resources. We also produced a podcast series covering essential skills such as active listening, psychological first aid, and self-care. Throughout the project, we engaged target groups through local meetings, multiplier events, and awareness-raising activities in disaster-affected regions. Two newsletters and a project flyer were distributed widely. Dissemination was supported by a project website and contributions to EPALE. All activities were aligned with a clear sustainability strategy to ensure continued access to results until at least 2030.

The project produced several key outputs designed to improve mental health awareness and psychosocial support capacities in the context of natural disasters. First, we developed a comprehensive, modular Resource Pack, containing educational content and practical exercises on topics such as psychological first aid, trauma recognition, self-care for helpers, and community engagement. This pack supports both self-directed learning and structured training. Second, we created an interactive e-platform and a mobile application for Android devices, making all content accessible in all partner languages and English. These tools provide low-threshold access to reliable mental health information for a wide and diverse user group. Third, we produced a series of podcasts that address key psychological topics in simple, relatable language to reach individuals who prefer audio learning or have limited literacy. All materials are openly available under a Creative Commons license and will remain accessible via the project website until at least 2030.