VCS Emergencies Partnership Mental Health Network

Resource Pages

Learning

Reports from the sector

Events

The VCS Emergencies Partnership Mental Health Network is a working group of the Emergencies Partnership (EP) which includes both partners of the EP and organisations from the wider voluntary and community sector.

The network was established to better meet the needs of those who struggle, or are likely to struggle, with mental health issues during and following emergencies. They share resources and learning that can support communities and aim to challenge the stigma that is experienced by people reaching out for support, whether their trauma occurred a few days, weeks or years ago.

Whilst the group doesn’t develop or offer mental health services, they do facilitate timely access to them, raise awareness of where there are gaps in accessing vital services and equip responders with the knowledge needed to signpost to support. They also advocate for person-centred approaches that seek to reduce the disproportionate impacts some face and for greater acknowledgement of community trauma.

Resources

Bee the Difference (National Emergencies Trust)

The Bee the Difference report compiles the experiences of young survivors of the Manchester Arena attack to provide better understanding on how to support those affected by terror in the future.

Psychosocial Reference Centre (IFRC)

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Psychosocial Reference Centre has a number of resources on psychosocial support in crisis and emergency responses.

Childhood trauma, war, migration and asylum (UK Trauma Council)

Evidence based resources to help children and young people affected by war, migration and asylum as well as the professionals supporting them in educational and community settings.

Understanding trauma and adversity (YoungMinds)

This resource provides information and advice on the definitions of trauma and adversity, how it may present itself, and how to support a young person who is struggling with the effects.

Supporting People After Terrorism (Counter Terrorism Preparedness Network)

This document - developed by the CTPN Humanitarian Assistance and Psychological Support Expert Group - offers information, guidance, practical tips and further resources for supporting people impacted by terrorism.

Coping with stress following a major incident (NHS)

This NHS leaflet provides information on how people, including children, may feel in the days and months after being affected by or involved in a traumatic incident.

Wellbeing guide (IFRC)

This International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Wellbeing guide helps people find support to deal with everyday and major emergencies. It contains advice for when feeling overwhelmed and distressed and how to strengthen inner resources.

Traumatic bereavement for children and young people (UK Trauma Council)

This document explains more about traumatic bereavement, including information for young people such as common feelings and where to get help.

Mental health directory (Bayo/The Ubele Initiative)

Bayo is a directory to find collectives, organisations and services from across the UK – run by and for the Black community – to support mental health and wellbeing.

Healing Spaces (International Rescue Committee)

The IRC’s Healing Spaces training is a trauma informed training designed to support community organisations, charities and others supporting refugee children and youth in the UK.

Psychosocial support (British Red Cross)

Find out what BRC’s psychosocial and mental health team does, and how you can get and give support for psychological and emotional issues.

Wellbeing guide (IFRC Translations)

The IFRC wellbeing guide is also available in Arabic, Bosnian, French, Portuguese and Ukrainian.

Creating the best environment for recovery (UK Trauma Council)

Research, evidence and principles that can guide leaders of educational communities to best respond over the days, weeks, months and years following potentially traumatic events.