Training on psychosocial case identification and referral system

Two phases of training were conducted by TPO Nepal on psychosocial case identification and referral systems for peer educators of partner organizations in Sudurpaschim province. The first training was conducted from 25 to 26 February 2022 at Achham, where a total of 22 participants participated. Similarly, the second training was conducted from 28 February to 1 March 2022 at Bajura, where 18 participants participated. The objectives of the training were to provide knowledge and skills for the identification of psychosocial problems of survivors of gender-based violence by using the Community Informant Detection Tool (CIDT) and to provide information about appropriate referral channels.

The main contents covered during the training were concepts of psychosocial support, wellbeing, psychosocial problems, causes, and multidimensional impacts of the psychosocial and mental health problems. The participants’ skills and knowledge were enhanced to identify mental health and psychosocial problems by using the Community Informant Detection Tool (CIDT) and basic communication skills. The training session was facilitated using various methodologies such as role-play, group discussion and presentation, PPT presentation, and brainstorming techniques.

In the first day session, the concept of psychosocial, psychosocial problem, its causes, and four-dimensional impacts were discussed. Participants were divided into four groups for group work and provided a question for a discussion and requested for preparation of a short presentation. In addition, the facilitator explained the psychosocial impact caused by gender-based violence along with communication skills and various mental health problems such as depression, suicide, behavioral problem.

Similarly, on the second day, there was a session on using CIDT and referral mechanism with description, followed by role-playing. After the session, participants were able to use CIDT with people who have been experiencing gender-based violence. Roleplay and feedback session after the completion of the theoretical part of CIDT helped them to identify cases in the community and refer those cases. There was also a short discussion about stress, its management, and self-care among the participants. In addition, a Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) session was conducted by the facilitator which helped the participants to relax.

A pre and post-test was done to assess the level of knowledge of participants on the related topics before and after the training respectively. “I am participating in the training for the first time. I found the training fruitful in terms of understanding the knowledge and skills about how important psychosocial support is to the GBV survivors along with other support” said one participant during the closing session.