Psychosocial Support Integrated Into Social Protection Training Course

Introduction

In understanding the holistic well-being of vulnerable populations, it's increasingly clear that economic hardship is often intertwined with significant mental health and psychosocial challenges. Integrating Psychosocial Support (PSS) into Social Protection programs offers a crucial pathway to address mental health and well-being alongside economic support, fostering truly comprehensive human development. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip social protection practitioners, mental health professionals, humanitarian workers, and policymakers with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to design and implement programs that promote resilience, reduce stress, and enhance the overall dignity of beneficiaries. Participants will gain a robust understanding of the impacts of poverty and shocks on mental health, basic psychosocial support techniques, referral pathways, and integrated service delivery models, enabling them to build more effective and humane safety nets. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world case studies pertinent to the dynamic social and mental health landscape in Nairobi, Kenya, and across the African continent, empowering you to foster holistic well-being.

This mental health and social welfare course is crucial for individuals and organizations in Kenya striving to move beyond purely economic interventions and recognize the profound impact of mental well-being on program uptake, productivity, and long-term outcomes. Mastering psychosocial support for vulnerable groups, implementing trauma-informed social protection, and understanding integrated care models for poverty and mental health are indispensable for addressing the invisible burdens faced by many beneficiaries, enhancing their coping mechanisms, and ensuring more sustainable development gains. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in holistic social protection and mental health-sensitive programming, positioning your organization at the forefront of compassionate and effective social policy and driving significant human development across the region.

Target Audience

• Social Protection Program Managers & Field Staff
• Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Professionals
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Community Development Workers
• Public Health Practitioners
• Government Officials (Social Affairs, Health)
• NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) providing direct services

Course Objectives

• Understand the interconnectedness of poverty, social vulnerability, and mental health and psychosocial well-being.
• Learn about the common mental health and psychosocial impacts of economic shocks and chronic poverty.
• Master principles for integrating basic psychosocial support into existing social protection programs.
• Develop proficiency in conducting basic psychosocial needs assessments for social protection beneficiaries.
• Explore strategies for developing effective referral pathways to specialized mental health services.
• Understand the concept of trauma-informed care within social protection delivery.
• Learn about culturally sensitive and gender-responsive approaches to PSS.
• Identify practical tools and techniques for providing basic psychosocial support in non-clinical settings.
• Develop effective multi-sectoral coordination between social protection and mental health sectors.
• Understand data requirements and monitoring strategies for PSS integration.
• Explore ethical considerations in providing psychosocial support within social protection programs.
• Drive the implementation of social protection programs that enhance mental health and well-being.
• Position yourself as an advocate for holistic and human-centered social protection.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Intersections of Poverty, Vulnerability, and Mental Health module

• Understanding the psychosocial impacts of poverty, shocks, and marginalization
• Common mental health challenges: stress, depression, anxiety in vulnerable populations
• The reciprocal relationship between economic hardship and mental well-being
• Stigma associated with mental health in communities
• The current mental health landscape and social support systems in Kenya

Introduction to Psychosocial Support (PSS) module

• Defining psychosocial support: beyond clinical mental health
• Levels of PSS intervention: basic support, focused non-specialized support, specialized services
• Key PSS principles: safety, dignity, rights, participation, self-reliance
• The role of social protection in providing a foundational layer of PSS
• Understanding the "do no harm" principle in PSS integration

Integrating PSS into Social Protection Design module

• Identifying entry points for PSS in social protection program cycles (e.g., targeting, registration, payments)
• Designing social protection programs to be inherently supportive of well-being
• Enhancing dignity and respect in beneficiary interactions
• Communication strategies that foster hope and agency
• Case studies of PSS integration in global social protection programs

Basic PSS Techniques for Frontline Workers module

• Active listening and empathetic communication skills
• Providing emotional first aid and psychological first aid (PFA) principles
• Stress management techniques for beneficiaries and staff
• Promoting coping mechanisms and resilience building
• Recognizing signs of severe distress and knowing when to refer

Referral Pathways and Multi-Sectoral Coordination module

• Mapping available mental health and psychosocial support services (formal and informal)
• Establishing clear and accessible referral pathways for beneficiaries needing specialized care
• Building partnerships between social protection agencies and MHPSS providers
• Information sharing protocols and data privacy considerations
• Roles and responsibilities in an integrated service delivery model

Trauma-Informed and Culturally Sensitive Approaches module

• Understanding the impact of trauma on individuals and communities
• Principles of trauma-informed care in social protection settings
• Adapting PSS interventions to cultural norms and beliefs
• Addressing gender-specific psychosocial needs and vulnerabilities
• The importance of community-based and peer support networks

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Ethical Considerations module

• Developing indicators for measuring psychosocial well-being outcomes in social protection
• Data collection methods for sensitive information (e.g., well-being scales)
• Ethical considerations in collecting and handling mental health data
• Ensuring confidentiality, informed consent, and safeguarding beneficiaries
• Building staff capacity and supervision for PSS integration

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.