Course Details

Mental Health & Self-Care for Humanitarian Workers Training Course

INTRODUCTION

Humanitarian work, while deeply rewarding, often exposes practitioners to traumatic experiences and high-stress environments, significantly impacting their mental health and well-being. Our "Mental Health & Self-Care for Humanitarian Workers" training course addresses this critical need, equipping individuals with the tools and strategies to cultivate resilience, manage stress, and prioritize self-care. This program emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique psychological challenges faced by those working in aid, fostering a culture of support, and ensuring long-term sustainability in humanitarian careers.

This comprehensive course delves into key areas such as trauma awareness, stress management techniques, burnout prevention, and building supportive networks. Participants will learn to identify signs of distress, develop personalized self-care plans, and create healthy coping mechanisms. Each module provides practical guidance, interactive exercises, and reflective activities, ensuring that humanitarian workers can confidently apply their knowledge to prioritize their mental health and maintain their capacity to serve effectively.

DURATION

5 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Humanitarian aid workers and field staff
• Program managers and coordinators
• Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) professionals
• HR personnel in humanitarian organizations
• Trainers and facilitators working with humanitarian teams

OBJECTIVES

• To understand the impact of humanitarian work on mental health and well-being.
• To develop skills in recognizing and managing stress, trauma, and burnout.
• To learn effective self-care strategies and coping mechanisms.
• To build supportive networks and promote a culture of well-being.
• To understand ethical considerations related to mental health in humanitarian settings.

COURSE MODULES

Module 1: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Humanitarian Work

• Identifying common stressors and challenges in humanitarian contexts.
• Understanding the impact of trauma, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue.
• Recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health distress.
• Understanding the importance of psychological resilience.
• Exploring the role of organizational culture in mental well-being.

Module 2: Trauma Awareness and Management

• Understanding the different types of trauma and their impact.
• Developing strategies for managing exposure to traumatic events.
• Learning techniques for grounding and stabilization.
• Understanding the importance of self-regulation and emotional processing.
• Exploring the role of debriefing and critical incident stress management.

Module 3: Stress Management and Coping Mechanisms

• Identifying personal stress triggers and patterns.
• Developing effective stress management techniques (e.g., mindfulness, relaxation).
• Learning to manage anxiety and panic attacks.
• Understanding the importance of healthy lifestyle habits (sleep, nutrition, exercise).
• Developing personalized coping strategies.

Module 4: Burnout Prevention and Resilience Building

• Understanding the signs and symptoms of burnout.
• Developing strategies for preventing burnout and maintaining work-life balance.
• Building resilience through self-compassion and positive psychology.
• Learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-care.
• Developing strategies for maintaining motivation and purpose.

Module 5: Building Supportive Networks and Communication

• Understanding the importance of social support and connection.
• Developing skills in effective communication and active listening.
• Building supportive relationships with colleagues and peers.
• Learning to seek and provide support in challenging situations.
• Understanding the role of peer support and mentoring.

Module 6: Self-Care Planning and Implementation

• Developing a personalized self-care plan.
• Identifying personal needs and priorities.
• Learning to integrate self-care into daily routines.
• Understanding the importance of regular self-assessment and reflection.
• Developing strategies for maintaining self-care in challenging environments.

Module 7: Ethical Considerations and Professional Boundaries

• Understanding the ethical considerations related to mental health in humanitarian settings.
• Developing strategies for maintaining professional boundaries.
• Understanding the importance of confidentiality and informed consent.
• Learning to navigate dual relationships and conflicts of interest.
• Understanding the role of supervision and consultation.

Module 8: Promoting Organizational Well-Being

• Understanding the role of organizations in promoting staff well-being.
• Developing strategies for creating a supportive work environment.
• Implementing policies and procedures that support mental health.
• Promoting a culture of open communication and support.
• Understanding the importance of leadership support and advocacy.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com