Dear Partners and Supporters,
As we reflect on 2024, we are reminded of the resilience and hope that drives our work in mental health and psychosocial support for children, youth, and families facing adversity. In a year marked by unprecedented humanitarian challenges – from ongoing conflicts to the escalating impacts of climate change – our commitment to come alongside and support impacted communities has never been more critical.
This year, we’ve made significant strides in our strategic priorities. We’ve championed the importance of mental health on the global stage, including landmark moments such as the adoption of two pivotal resolutions at the 77th World Health Assembly in May. Our work has spanned continents and contexts, from supporting refugee children’s social and emotional learning and education in Colombia, Kenya and Greece to identifying and promoting initiatives enhancing vulnerable students’ likelihood of remaining in school and excelling in spite of adversity across eight countries in Europe.
A highlight has been our “Thriving Through Play” initiative, which has already empowered over 3,000 pre- and primary school teachers in Ukraine with tools and play-based approaches to support students’ wellbeing during times of crisis. It is currently being adapted and translated to support teachers in other contexts. We’ve also made important advances in understanding the intersections of mental health, climate change, and gender – research that will help humanitarian actors develop more responsive support strategies and informed interventions.
We ended the year with a country focused convening, organized on behalf of the Nordic MHPSS Network and the IASC MHPSS Reference Group, where 39 organizations across 12 countries came together for a critical dialogue with the Head of Lebanon’s National Mental Health Program, to understand how NGO’s, academia, governments, donors and other stakeholders based in the Nordic countries can help to meet some of the current and future mental health and psychosocial support needs of children, adults and communities in Lebanon.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch Y!Participate, an innovative platform that will amplify youth voices and leadership in mental health and psychosocial support. This initiative embodies our commitment to ensuring that those most affected are central to developing solutions.
These achievements are possible because of your continued trust and support. As we move into 2025, we remain dedicated to our mission: equipping children, youth, families, and organizations with future oriented approaches and tools to prepare for and respond to crises, mitigate harm, and encourage hope.
With gratitude and determination,
The MHPSS Collaborative
