PACIFIC PSYCHOSOCIAL FORUM 2012: POST FORUM SUMMARY REPORT

Transcription

1 Enabling resilience in a crisis F iumi stap strng l lgeta taem bl crisis PACIFIC PSYCHOSOCIAL FORUM 2012: POST FORUM SUMMARY REPORT The Pacific Psychscial Frum and nging staff supprt initiatives in the Pacific Regin have been made pssible by the funding f the Australian Gvernment, AusAID. This is a summary reprt f the Mandala Fundatin Pacific Psychscial Frum that was held in the Slmn Islands frm the 23 rd t the 25 th May, 2012 at Maranatha Hall, Hniara. Planning fr the Frum was led by a lcal planning grup cmprising members f a range f internatinal and lcal NGOs and gvernment representatives, in cllabratin with Mandala Fundatin staff. This apprach ensured that the Frum planning, prgram cntent and apprach reflected the psychscial needs and interests f lcal Pacific staff, rganisatins and cmmunity. Frum Theme & Aim The theme f the Frum was Enabling resilience in a crisis, with an verall aim f increasing capacity t reduce the psychscial impact f crises in the Pacific Frum Prgram Overview The Frum prgram was structured int three key days each with an verarching fcus: Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Crisis Issues & Stries Principles, Plicies & Practices fr Enabling Resilience Maximizing & Mbilizing Cmmunity Resurces & Netwrks Prgram Objectives f Day 1: Crisis Issues & Stries T raise awareness f the nature f crises that affect the Pacific cmmunity T highlight cmmn respnses by thse adversely affected by a crisis T identify factrs that enable persnal resilience and supprt recvery T identify the range f factrs that can strengthen a crisis respnse at a cmmunity r systems level T shwcase examples f respnses t crises that have been effective T raise awareness f special issues when supprting psychscial recvery frm crisis in the Pacific Prgram Objectives f Day 2: Objectives Principles, Plicies & Practices fr Aiding Resilience T define key cncepts f resilience and psychscial supprt in the Pacific cntext T demnstrate the applicatin f key principles and systemic appraches fr supprting a resilient respnse t crisis T review the current state f crisis management in the Pacific at cuntry level T evaluate strengths and gaps in current crisis management practices within rganisatins T build awareness f lcal and internatinal resurces that can guide a resilient apprach t managing crises T shwcase plicies and practices that take int cnsideratin supprt needs f vulnerable grups during a crisis Prgram Objectives f Day 3: Maximizing & Mbilizing Cmmunity Resurces & Netwrks T map current psychscial resurces within the Pacific and Slmn Islands T examine linkages between different cmmunity resurces t better enable a resilient and systematic respnse t crises T wrkshp the applicatin f skills in implementing r supprting a crisis respnse at either cmmunity r rganisatinal levels T facilitate reginal, cuntry, rganisatinal and cmmunity psychscial netwrk pprtunities Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 1

2 Key Frum Prgram Features included: Prgram planning and pririties were infrmed by a lcal Slmn Islands planning cmmittee Culturally and lcally relevant themes, issues and facilitatin appraches Internatinal, reginal and lcal key nte speakers and presentatins Chice f multiple streams within the prgram: cuntry, rganisatin and cmmunity Special issues relevant t Pacific cmmunities (including Wmen, Children, HIV/Yuth, Mental Health) A range f interactive and small grup discussin pprtunities t enable sharing f experiences A range f small wrkshp pprtunities Practical resurces and case studies Reginal, rganisatinal and lcal netwrking pprtunities Emerging frm the varied Frum presentatins, wrkshps and grup discussins key factrs and principles were identified that were felt t be imprtant in enabling resilience in the Pacific cntext. General Factrs enabling resilience in the Pacific: Being prepared - planting the seeds f recvery befre a crisis strikes Drawing n the psychscial knwledge and resilience practices f the lcal cmmunity Recgnising the value f spirituality and faith fr Pacific cmmunities and staff Acknwledging the cultural significance placed n family and cmmunity supprt mechanisms Cnsidering strategies t enable bth physical and psychlgical safety Wrking t facilitate a sense f calm, cnnectivity and hpe t supprt the reclaiming f cntrl Priritising creating safe areas fr play, recreatin, educatin and safety fllwing a crisis Being clear n the purpse f psychscial supprt and what can be ffered as well as understanding limitatins and bundaries Acknwledging persnal vulnerabilities when prviding supprt Being able t cmmunicate r be understd in yur wn language during a crisis Empwering cmmunities and staff thrugh infrmatin and psych-educatin Cuntry / Reginal Level principles and practices identified fr enabling resilience include: Imprving the alignment f traditinal custms and gvernment crisis respnses Designing crisis interventins that are aligned with and infrmed by culturally supprtive practices Supprting practive crisis preparedness and planning (including respnse plans and simulatins) Integrating mental health and psychscial supprt int ther aspects f emergency respnses (such as water, sanitatin and shelter) Recgnising the imprtance f crdinatin between rganisatins cnducting crisis respnses Ensuring that the needs f the mst vulnerable are priritised in a crisis respnse Organisatinal principles and practices identified fr enabling resilience include: Ensuring human resurce plicies incrprate psychscial supprt cnsideratins Cnfirming staff supprt and human resurce plicies are culturally and cntextually apprpriate Prviding managers and staff with culturally apprpriate training t recgnise and cpe with signs f stress Making sure bth lcal and expatriate staff and vlunteers are mentally and physically prepared Prviding apprpriate briefing and debriefing fr staff during crisis respnses Using an rganisatinal cde f cnduct t guide psychscially apprpriate appraches t cmmunity liaisn Affirming the value f peer supprt and enabling this within rganisatinal prcesses Planning fr bth immediate and lnger term fllw up and psychscial supprt fr staff wh have been impacted by a crisis Cmmunity principles and practices identified fr enabling resilience include: Recgnising and supprting cmmunity resilience and existing strengths Enhancing re-cnnectin and chesin within cmmunities affected by crisis Cnducting cmmunity vulnerability assessments (including an assessment f psychscial needs) and frmulate cmmunity actin plans frm them Empwering and cnsulting key grups within the cmmunity t ensure that their vice is enabled including wmen, yung peple and thse with disabilities Cnsidering hw lcal cmmunity and mental health services can wrk mre effectively tgether Enabling recnciliatin and ther traditinal healing prcesses within cmmunities Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 2

3 Summary f Prgram sessins: Day 1: Crisis Issues and Stries Keynte Address: Reginal Resilience in the Pacific: The 2009 Saman Tsunami Presented By: Mr Matthew Andersn, Australian High Cmmissiner t the Slmn Islands Presentatin Outline: The 2009 Saman Tsunami is a recent crisis that impacted the Pacific cmmunity. This presentatin highlights hw, even within the cntext f disaster, there can als be resilience and hpe. Initially, a shrt film made by the presenter n the 2009 Saman Tsunami was screened, shwing images nt nly f the initial impact f the disaster, but als the subsequent repair, recnstructin and resilience. The keynte presentatin which fllwed gave participants insight int ne perspective f an example f reginal resilience, and the factrs at a persnal, cmmunity and crisis management level that helped supprt an effective respnse. This presentatin prvided participants with bth a visual and narrative lens t reflect n implicatins f relevance in preparing fr r respnding t crisis in ther cntexts within the Pacific. Key psychscial principles fr cuntry level crisis-management included: The seeds f recvery are best planted, and watered, prir t a crisis Gvernment Natinal Disaster Management Plans need t be tested befre a crisis in rder t be effectively activated when crisis hits Traditinal leadership mdels and prfund faith need t be acknwledged and cupled with a highly effective Natinal Disaster Management Plan Any crisis respnse must be led by thse mst affected. Impacted cmmunities must be given the pprtunity and with it, the empwerment - t help themselves Sessin 1: Crisis and Resilience in the Pacific Psychscial Rle Plays Presented By: Slmn Islands Develpment Trust Presentatin Outline: These psychscial rle plays drew n lcally relevant case scenaris t shwcase actins and behaviurs that enable persnal resilience and supprt recvery befre, during and after a crisis in the Slmn Islands. Issues at cuntry, rganisatinal and cmmunity level were integrated int the rle plays demnstrated. This sessin was supprted by a facilitated discussin f key psychscial issues raised and audience bservatins. Key psychscial principles supprting cmmunity resilience included: It is imprtant t wrk with existing cmmunity leadership and supprt structures t identify physical and psychscial needs Cnsultatin and participatin f vulnerable grups within the cmmunity, such as wmen and children, needs t be enabled Lcal recnciliatin and cultural healing prcesses have a valuable place in reslving cnflict Drawing n existing cmmunity strengths, capacity and knwledge is critical in crisis respnse Sessin 2: Stries f Resilience in the Face f Crisis Juvenile Justice Issues (Cuntry Stream) Presented By: Jana Akahiu, Scial Welfare Department, Slmn Islands Gvernment Presentatin Outline: Cmmunity, family and persnal crisis issues are sme f the cntributing factrs that can lead t juveniles ffending. This presentatin shared sme stries f nt nly the cause f crisis fr sme f these yung peple, but hw cuntry level legal framewrks, persnal cunselling and family supprt mechanisms have been effective in supprting juveniles in their resilience, cping and rehabilitatin. Key principles fr building resilience f juvenile ffenders included: Seeking t supprt the restratin f a chesive family and cmmunity supprt structure Building n psitive aspects f relatinships Enabling access t culturally apprpriate supprt thrugh scial justice systems Aiming t prevent further wrsening f health situatins Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 3

4 Sessin 2: Stries f Resilience in the Face f Crisis (cntinued) Supprting Staff Resilience During the Tensins (Organisatinal Stream) Presented By: Clement Manuri, Slmn Islands Red Crss Presentatin Outline: Staff supprting crisis respnses must ensure that they take steps t maintain their wn wellbeing and resilience in rder t be effective in supprting thers. The presenter shared sme persnal reflectins as t what helped his wn cping and that f thers in a relief peratin fr the Weather Cast (Guadalcanal) tensins. Thrugh hearing examples f key management and self-care practices that have been effective, participants were able t reflect n implicatins fr their wn persnal and staff care practices. Key rganisatinal factrs enabling resilience included: Effective psychscial briefings are an activity that rganisatins shuld undertake in preparing staff Ensuring that staff understand their purpse and rle, what t expect and als hw t minimise harm thrugh the nature f supprt and cmmunicatins prvided t cmmunities Staff need t be bth physically and mentally prepared fr a supprt rle and encuraged t lk after themselves t knw their wn vulnerabilities and limitatins, particularly if they are als part f the affected cmmunity Sessin 2: Stries f Resilience in the Face f Crisis (cntinued) Supprting Teams During the Tsunami Respnse (Organisatinal Stream) Presented By: Je Haga, Save the Children Presentatin Outline: In the aftermath f a disaster, it is imprtant that nt nly cmmunities, but als the staff invlved in a respnse are prvided with culturally apprpriate supprt. This presentatin explained hw Save the Children addressed the psychscial supprt needs f their staff during the Giz Tsunami respnse. The presenter shared examples frm his experiences as Team Leader by highlighting sme f the supprt mechanisms that were made available t Save the Children staff. These mechanisms recgnised that staff may have been affected themselves by the tsunami, r have had family members, friends r ther cmmunity netwrks wh were affected. The sessin prvided participants with an insight int sme f the different ways rganisatins can prvide psychscial supprt t their staff during crises. Key psychscial principles fr rganisatins supprting staff included: Enabling self-efficacy and cntrl in rles can help build staff resilience The imprtance f regular cmmunicatin, cnsultatin and participatin in decisin making Encuraging staff t lk after each ther, share humur and find enjyment in their rles Staff need t be supprted t take time ut fr their wn recvery Sessin 2: Stries f Resilience in the Face f Crisis (cntinued) Wmen and Children (Cmmunity Stream) Presented By: Sister Dreen, Christian Care Centre Presentatin Outline: Wmen and children can ften be vulnerable in the face f crises such as dmestic vilence. Thrugh her wrk managing the Christian Care Centre, the presenter has been expsed t many persnal stries f cmmunity members, but als accmpanied and supprted many peple in their jurney f recvery, hpe, and at times recnciliatin. Themes frm sme f the cmmn stries f crisis and resilience, and the psychscial supprt that assisted recvery were ffered t assist participants t reflect n supprtive, caring practices t assist recvery prcesses in the cntext f their wn cmmunities. Key principles supprting the recvery f wmen and children frm crisis included: Enabling safe and secure spaces t express hurt and sadness can supprt healing Prviding gentle, patient and nn-judgemental listening is very imprtant t victims Raising awareness f human rights at a cmmunity level supprts further preventin Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 4

5 Sessin 2: Stries f Resilience in the Face f Crisis (cntinued) HIV/ Yuth (Cmmunity Stream) Presented By: Je Lvi, ADRA Presentatin Outline: Being able t discuss issues such as HIV in an pen, hnest way can cntribute significantly t enhancing cmmunity understanding and acceptance f the prblem and assist cmmunities t wrk tgether twards a slutin. In this presentatin, the presenter shared sme stries frm his previus experiences wrking with yung peple n HIV awareness and livelihds prjects in schls t break dwn the stigma surrunding HIV and build resilience amng yung peple. Participants gained insight int the value f sharing stries and encuraging discussin t strengthen resilience. Key principles fr building resilience in yung peple in relatin t HIV/AIDS included: Educatin n safe sex and behaviur change strategies can help supprt preventin Practively building skills and cnfidence thrugh mentring and peer discussins is helpful Awareness raising is a valuable tl in reducing peer and cmmunity stigmatisatin Sessin 3: Key Factrs that Can Help Prevent, Prepare fr, Mitigate r Supprt Recvery frm a Crisis Wrkshp 1: Psychscial Cnsideratins in Disaster Risk Reductin (Cuntry Stream) Presented By: Rex Tara, Natinal Disaster Management Office Presentatin Outline: Practive preparatin f agencies supprting cmmunities during disasters regarding psychscial cnsideratins is a critical aspect f effective crisis respnses. Participants were intrduced t the Disaster Risk reductin wrk f the Natinal Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and key psychscial factrs that they integrate in rder t strengthen respnses in the Slmn Islands cntext. This wrkshp prvided participants with an understanding f what actins and appraches cmmunity supprt wrkers can take prir t, during and after a crisis t supprt resilience and recvery in disaster affected ppulatins. This sessin prvided a framewrk fr participants wishing t review their wn agency crisis respnses frm a psychscial lens. Key principles fr supprting a cuntry-level crisis respnse included: Planning, preparedness and public awareness raising befre a disaster helps t minimise risks Crdinating acrss agencies is a critical cmpnent f an effective disaster respnse Overseeing the accuracy and nature f cmmunicatins and public infrmatin disseminated assists in managing the psychscial impact n cmmunities Sessin 3: Key Factrs that Can Help Prevent, Prepare fr, Mitigate r Supprt Recvery frm a Crisis Wrkshp 2: Supprting Staff t Prepare fr and Recver frm Crisis Respnse Wrk (Organisatinal Stream) Presented By: Niniu Oligau, Slmn Islands Red Crss Presentatin Outline: It is imperative that staff and vlunteers wrking in emergencies r crisis situatins receive apprpriate preparatin and training frm their rganisatin t supprt their wn cping and capacity when supprting thers. This wrkshp will intrduce sme f the systems f supprt principles such as briefing and debriefing that the Red Crss uses t prepare and supprt their staff and vlunteers befre, during and after wrking in a disaster. During the wrkshp, participants heard abut key factrs and examples f hw these can be effectively applied by rganisatins and managers. As a result f the wrkshp, participants gained insight int the nature f rganisatinal supprt mechanisms that can supprt resilience and cping. This prvides a framewrk fr participants t review their wn staff care plicies in their rganisatins. Key rganisatinal principles fr building resilience f staff wrking in crises included: Prviding training and preparatin including n cde f cnducts and hw t effectively build capacity and supprt recvery in cmmunities helps equip lcal staff fr emergency respnses An in-field briefing t clarify assumptins and highlight safety and psychscial issues is valuable Enabling pprtunities fr lcal peers t debrief tgether and share their experiences supprt pstrespnse recvery Organisatins need t have plicies supprting staff recvery and time ut after an emergency Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 5

6 Sessin 3: Key Factrs that Can Help Prevent, Prepare fr, Mitigate r Supprt Recvery frm a Crisis Wrkshp 3: Preventin, Preparatin and Supprt During a Cmmunity Respnse (Cmmunity Stream) Presented By: Lrima Tuke, Oxfam Internatinal Presentatin Outline: There are a number f factrs that can help strengthen a crisis respnse. One way is by helping cmmunities prepare fr, prevent and reduce the impact f a crisis by a prcess f cllabrative mapping between the rganisatin and cmmunity members. This wrkshp intrduced participants t the prcess f Vulnerability Capacity Assessments, which enables the mapping f psychscial cmmunity resurces. This interactive wrkshp gave participants practical insight int factrs that are imprtant t cnsider when supprting respnses t a cmmunity crisis. It als prvided a basis fr reviewing their wn rganisatinal r cmmunity supprt practices prir t, during and after a crisis. Key psychscial principles fr supprting cmmunities in a crisis included: Using Vulnerability Capacity Assessments are a practical, cmmunity based apprach that agencies can use t supprt cmmunities in mapping their existing risks, ptentials and strengths Often hidden strengths in cmmunities can include scial netwrks, lcal knwledge, cmmunity resilience and the capacity f marginalised grups such as children and the elderly When cmmunities and husehlds have sustainable livelihds, awareness f hazards and risks, gd health care, access t a strng civil sciety and awareness f psychscial issues then they will likely be less vulnerable and als recver faster during crises Sessin 4: Special Issue Factrs when Supprting Recvery frm Crisis Psychscial Cnsideratins fr Supprting Crisis Respnse at a Reginal r Cuntry Level (Cuntry Stream) Presented By: Iris Trapman, Mandala Fundatin Presentatin Outline: In a large scale disaster r crisis, it is imprtant that apprpriate psychscial principles are understd by thse supprting recvery in rder t minimise the risk f further psychlgical harm. The presenter gave an verview f sme guiding factrs that can help enable cmmunity resilience such as prmting calming and cnnectedness and the regaining f cntrl. This presentatin prvided participants with a framewrk fr hw t supprt larger grups and cmmunities, integrating psychscial cnsideratins. Fllwing the Frum, participants will then be able t cnsider the applicatin f psychscial principles back in the cntext f their wn rganisatins r rles. Key psychscial principles fr supprting crisis affected cmmunities included: Enabling a sense f bth physical and psychlgical safety t reduce expsure and nging fear Prmting calming and relaxatin techniques that are culturally apprpriate Prmting bth a persnal and a cmmunal sense f cntrl Supprting cnnectedness, re-unificatin and re-establishment f family and cmmunity netwrks Enabling the prmtin f hpe and anticipatin Sessin 4: Special Issue Factrs when Supprting Recvery frm Crisis (cntinued) Cuntry Level Cnsideratins fr Supprting Peple t Recver frm a Crisis (Cuntry Stream) Presented by: Lrima Tuke, Oxfam Internatinal Presentatin utline: Cuntry-level actin t supprt the psychlgical recvery f peple is an imprtant aspect f effective disaster respnse effrts. This presentatin will prvide insight int the preparatin phase f cuntry-level respnses t emergencies and disasters, including mapping key supprt netwrks and traditinal cping mechanisms that can be mbilised t facilitate a resilient cmmunity respnse. Drawing n his extensive experience in natural disaster respnse effrts with the Red Crss and Oxfam acrss the Pacific, the presenter will highlight sme specific strengths-based strategies such as tapping int family, spiritual, traditinal r cmmunity-based appraches t psychscial recvery. As a result f attending the sessin, participants will develp an appreciatin f the value f mapping strengths and gaps prir t a disaster ccurring, as well as the imprtance f effectively utilising existing cmmunity respnse mechanisms. Key factrs supprting cmmunity resilience and recvery frm crisis included: Facilitating cmmunity mbilisatin and enabling self-sufficiency and self-help Disseminating timely infrmatin abut the emergency relief effrts, rights and cping strategies Ensuring that mental health needs are embedded in primary health and cmmunity care services Identifying and prtecting vulnerable grups such as thse wh are scially marginalised Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 6

7 Sessin 4: Special Issue Factrs when Supprting Recvery frm Crisis (cntinued) Supprting Lcal Staff t Prepare fr and Recver frm Crisis (Organisatinal Stream) Presented by: Uta Temahua, Wrld Visin Presentatin utline: Fr rganisatins supprting lcal staff and vlunteers wrking in the Pacific, it is imprtant that supprt practices and plicies are culturally apprpriate and cntextualised. The presenter shared sme examples f staff supprt initiatives used by Wrld Visin t supprt the recvery f lcal staff after a crisis r emergency. This presentatin cntributes t participants understanding f sme key staff supprt principles enabling resilience, which may als have applicatin upn return t their wn rganisatinal cntexts fllwing the Frum. Key psychscial principles fr rganisatins supprting staff in a crisis included: Staff care plicies need t explicitly cnsider psychscial needs, nt just physical needs f staff Special cnsideratin shuld be given regarding psychscial supprt needs f lcal staff supprting crisis r emergency respnses in their wn cmmunities Organisatins need t be aware f different cultural reactins t stress and cnsider ways t enable cping and resilience that are culturally apprpriate Sessin 4: Special Issue Factrs when Supprting Recvery frm Crisis (cntinued) Supprting Crss-Cultural Teams t Recver frm Crisis (Organisatinal Stream) Presented by: Brian Massey, Mandala Fundatin Presentatin utline: There are a number f factrs that can enable resilience that rganisatins shuld be aware f when supprting multi-cultural teams t recver frm crisis. This presentatin highlighted hw aspects such as cultural and persnal values, spiritual beliefs, individual and cmmunity ways f cping and language shuld be cnsidered in supprting diverse teams. Thrugh this presentatin, participants gained insight int psychscial principles and plicies that rganisatins can draw n t supprt multi-cultural teams wrking in crisis situatins. This sessin helped equip participants with an understanding f sme key supprting factrs that culd be applied in their wn staff supprt practices and plicies. Key psychscial principles fr rganisatins supprting multi-cultural teams included: The imprtance f recgnising bth cmmunality and unity strength and cnfidence is drawn frm shared cmmunal beliefs Acknwledging spirituality as key surce surce f meaning in the Pacific is imprtant In a crisis it is helpful fr cmmunities t be spken t and heard in their heart language Sessin 4: Special Issue Factrs when Supprting Recvery frm Crisis (cntinued) Cultural Supprt Systems and Spirituality in PNG in the Cntext f Crisis (Cmmunity Stream) Presented by: Michael Kawak, Fundatin fr Peple and Cmmunity Develpment (FPCD) Presentatin utline: In PNG and the brader Pacific regin, it is imprtant that when supprting cmmunities, there is an apprpriate understanding f lcal supprt needs and cping mechanisms. This presentatin highlighted hw principles f traditinal cultural supprt systems and spirituality can enable cmmunity and persnal resilience. The presenter shared examples frm his wn experience f prviding psychscial supprt t cmmunities in PNG. This sessin prvided participants with a cultural lens r framewrk fr cnsidering cmmunity supprt issues, which culd als be applied in reviewing cmmunity supprt practices in a range f ther cmmunities and cultures. Key factrs enabling resilience in cmmunities in the Pacific included: The wantk system prvides a sense f cnnectin and identity thrugh shared language and cnnectin t place and is the basis f traditinal supprt in Melanesian culture Sharing prblems and slutins t crisis with cmmunity can help t defuse stress and anxiety Maintaining bth spiritual and ancestral beliefs and faith can supprt cping Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 7

8 Sessin 4: Special Issue Factrs when Supprting Recvery frm Crisis (cntinued) Supprting Slmn Islands Cmmunities t Recver frm Crisis (Cmmunity Stream) Presented by: Andala Maria, Family Supprt Centre Presentatin utline: Effective psychscial supprt requires that the supprt mechanisms ffered are tailred t the specific needs and circumstances f individuals, while als being mindful f the cmmunity cntext f which they are a part. This presentatin explred the psychscial supprt services prvided by the Family Supprt Centre in Hniara, which ffers cunselling and assistance tailred fr wmen and families affected by dmestic vilence. Participants were prvided with an verview f special cnsideratins f which t be aware when wrking with dmestic vilence issues. Key psychscial principles fr supprting wmen affected by crisis included: Prviding access t infrmatin n rights and safe cmmunity and legislative supprt avenues supprts the empwerment f wmen affected by issues such as dmestic vilence Supprt and reassurance needs t be prvided in an nging and culturally sensitive way Cunsellrs and thse prviding supprt als need t ensure that they maintain gd self-care and have an pprtunity t debrief Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 8

9 Day 2: Principles, Plicies and Practices fr Enabling Resilience Keynte Address: Internatinal Crisis Management: Implicatins fr Supprting Aid Wrkers Presented By: Mr Christph Hensch, Executive Directr, Mandala Fundatin Presentatin Outline: Aid wrkers wh supprt crisis respnses are expsed t a large range f ptentially stressful and challenging situatins that can impact n their levels f persnal resilience. This presentatin evaluated sme key strengths and gaps in crisis management practices as well as implicatins fr the wellbeing f aid wrkers. The speaker shared examples frm his wn experience in supprting humanitarian crises internatinally, utlining bth persnal and rganisatinal factrs that were bserved t enable resilience and cping. This sessin demnstrated fr participants, the imprtance f integrating psychscial supprt int rganisatinal respnses t crises. Mre bradly, the presentatin prvide an internatinal perspective upn which t reflect n implicatins fr rganisatins wrking within the Pacific cntext. Key psychscial principles fr rganisatins supprting aid wrkers included: Briefings that d nt adequately prepare staff fr the range f security and psychscial risks that they may face n a humanitarian deplyment can have serius implicatins fr staff and teams Lnger term recvery frm critical incidents and/r trauma can be enhanced by the pprtunity fr the stry t be heard by the right peple and t be supprted t regain cntrl Critical incident plicies and supprt need t cnsider the whle persn and their needs, and als be enabled at multiple pints after an incident t supprt lnger term recvery and adjustment Sessin 1: The State f Crisis Management This sessin will be split int three streams t review the current state f crisis management in the Pacific at cuntry, rganisatin and cmmunity levels. At the end f the sessin, the streams re-jined fr a brief reprt back and plenary sessin. Facilitated discussin was led by lcal Slmn Islands cmmittee members and Mandala Fundatin staff. Cuntry Stream: Organisatinal Stream: Cmmunity Stream: Facilitated by: Je Lvi, Christph Hensch and Iris Trapman Facilitated by: Uta Temahua, Kate Mint and Sam Farmer Facilitated by: Francis Tavava, Brian Massey and Erin Linley Key psychscial principles fr crisis management within the Pacific included: At a reginal r cuntry level: The imprtance f ensuring disaster management plans are in place befre crisis strikes The psychscial needs f cmmunities need t be priritised and integrated int plicies Traditinal leadership mdels need t be taken int cnsideratin in gvernment respnses At an rganisatinal level: A clear understanding f when and hw t activate crisis supprt systems is needed Drawing n cultural strengths during crisis and encuraging rganisatins t link with lcal cmmunity grups helps supprt effective respnses At a cmmunity level: Recent disasters such as the 2007 Tsunami in the Slmn Islands highlighted the imprtance fr practive risk management systems within cmmunities Recgnising lcal knwledge and drawing n cmmunity cmmittees and structure can enable better c-peratin and resilience during a crisis The value f training lcal peer supprt vlunteers t wrk in their wn cmmunities Refer t Appendix 1 fr a mre detailed mapping f the current state f crisis management, including existing strengths and areas fr imprvement based n input frm Pacific Psychscial Frum participants. Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 9

10 Sessin 2: Sample Principles and Guidelines that Supprt a Resilient Respnse Supprting a Resilient Respnse fr Children (Cuntry Stream) Presented by: Anika Kingmele, UNICEF Presentatin utline: Fr cuntry level emergency management and respnses in the Slmn Islands, issues relating t child prtectin and psychscial cnsideratins need t be integrated. This presentatin highlighted key principles such as maintaining cnnectin with family and/r caregivers and enabling prtectin that can help supprt the resilience f children fllwing a crisis. The presentatin drew n examples frm UNICEF s wrk in crdinatin with the Natinal Disaster Management Office. Participants heard abut key principles and practices that can supprt the psychscial wellbeing f children, wh can be a vulnerable grup during crises, particularly when separated frm their usual family netwrks. Beynd the frum, the principles f child prtectin raised will likely have brader applicability fr participants as a crsscutting cnsideratin in their wn prgrams. Key psychscial principles fr supprting the resilience f children in a crisis included: Crisis supprt interventins need t be bth age and culturally apprpriate Seeking ways t re-establish family life and mbilise care systems fr children including supprting healing f parents and training them hw t supprt the psychscial needs f their children Prmting nrmalcy including pprtunities t play and learn Sessin 2: Sample Principles and Guidelines that Supprt a Resilient Respnse (cntinued) Examples f Principles that Supprt a Resilient Respnse (Cuntry Stream) Presented by: Clement Manuri, Slmn Islands Red Crss Presentatin utline: It is imprtant that staff and vlunteers wh supprt cmmunities as part f a natinal disaster respnse have an understanding f sme f the key ways in which their apprach and interactins can help reduce the risk f further harm t cmmunity members, such as being careful abut the messages that they transmit. This presentatin raised awareness f sme key cmmunity supprt cnsideratins which have implicatins fr a range f ther rganisatins and staff supprting cmmunities within the Pacific. The presenter highlighted key principles that can supprt a resilient respnse t crisis. Key psychscial principles fr crisis management included: It is valuable fr rganisatins t have a cde f cnduct and principles t guide staff in apprpriately respnding t crisis and disasters Key principles fr respnse include humanity and impartiality f aid, s that life and health is prtected irrespective f alignment r backgrund Relief aid shuld strive t reduce future vulnerabilities t disaster as well as meeting basic needs Sessin 2: Sample Principles and Guidelines that Supprt a Resilient Respnse (cntinued) Organisatinal Principles and Guidelines that Supprt a Resilient Staff Respnse (Organisatinal Stream) Presented by: Stewart Serawe Presentatin utline: Ensuring that apprpriate staff care plicies are in place, and systematically implemented in rganisatins, is imprtant fr NGOs wrking within the Pacific. Key psychscial principles and practices fr supprting staff such at different phases f emplyment were highlighted and participants had the pprtunity t view sme aspects f a sample staff care plicy that was updated in the PNG cntext. This will prvide a useful reference pint fr participants wh wish t review their wn rganisatin s staff care plicies r practices. Key psychscial principles fr rganisatins supprting staff included: Staff frm diverse cntexts need t be cnsulted in the develpment f plicies affecting them The value f regularly reviewing staff care plicies and practices fr cultural apprpriateness and inclusiveness The need t adjust and adapt plicies as they are infrmed by practical learning and experience ver time Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 10

11 Sessin 2: Sample Principles and Guidelines that Supprt a Resilient Respnse (cntinued) Sample Principles and Guidelines that Supprt a Resilient Respnse fr Wmen and Children (Cmmunity Stream) Presented by: Sister Dreen, Christian Care Centre Presentatin utline: Develping supprtive principles and guidelines can help ensure that rganisatins prvide systematic, cmprehensive supprt t thse wh cme t them fr assistance. This presentatin will utline psychscial principles implemented by the Christian Care Centre, which assists wmen and children wh have been affected by family vilence r trauma. These principles include (1) prviding a safe space where wmen and children can put sme distance between themselves and the issue while feeling cnnected t thers in similar psitins; (2) facilitating cmmunity recnciliatin thrugh discussin and pen exchange between cmmunity members; and (3) nging awareness-raising and advcacy activities. Participants will gain insight int ways rganisatins can systematically supprt individuals frm initial cntact thrugh t repatriatin back int their hme r cmmunity. Key principles fr enabling resilience f wmen and children included: Enabling psychscial and psychlgical safety f wmen and children is paramunt Acknwledging the value f spiritual and cmmunity supprt in the lcal cultural cntext Sessin 3: Strengths and Gaps in Crisis Management Practice Wrkshps Wrkshp 1: Resurces that can Guide r Supprt a Resilient Respnse (IASC Guidelines) (Cuntry Stream) Presented by: Iris Trapman, Mandala Fundatin Presentatin utline: Ensuring the psychscial wellbeing f cmmunities and staff is prtected during and after an emergency is a key cncern and respnsibility fr gvernment, NGO and cmmunity rganisatins. This wrkshp will cnsider strengths and gaps in current crisis management practices. Participants will be intrduced t the IASC Guidelines n Mental Health and Psychscial Supprt in Emergency Settings as an example f a resurce that can guide a resilient apprach t managing crises. This interactive wrkshp will nt nly highlight key guiding principles, but will enable participants t reflect n applicatins f the resurce thrugh a case example. This is a cmprehensive internatinal resurce that has brad applicatin fr staff wrking in a range f emergency r crisis related rles. Key psychscial principles fr crisis management included: The value f a set f minimum respnse t prtect and imprve mental health and wellbeing The need t integrate psychscial cnsideratins int emergency respnses Supprting and training lcal staff and cmmunity members t cnduct psychscial needs assessments t enable cmmunity access t lcal language and cultural awareness Sessin 3: Strengths and Gaps in Crisis Management Practice Wrkshps Wrkshp 2: Systematic Practices and Plicies fr the Psychscial Supprt f Staff (Organisatinal Stream) Presented by: Kate Mint Presentatin utline: A systematic apprach t supprting staff during disasters r crises can deliver significant benefits t rganisatins by reducing staff turnver levels, increasing staff wellbeing and strengthening verall disaster respnse effrts. This presentatin will utline the Mandala Fundatin s integrated apprach t strengthening resilience and systematising psychscial supprt fr humanitarian aid and develpment wrkers acrss the assignment cycle. The apprach invlves, identifying respnsibilities and supprtive practices at the level f the rganisatin, manager, individual and psychscial supprt prfessinal. During this sessin, participants will wrk in grups t cnduct a mapping exercise f the key psychscial supprt needs and respnses f their respective regins r cuntries, rganisatins and cmmunities. As a result f attending this sessin, participants will have develped an understanding f systematic appraches t staff supprt plicies and had the pprtunity t cntextualise their learning Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 11

12 utcmes in relatin t their wn rles. Key rganisatinal principles fr the psychscial supprt f staff in the Pacific included: Befre a crisis, sme existing plicy strengths included: Recruiting staff and vlunteers befre an emergency hits Cnducting stress management training Briefing staff ging int cmmunities abut crss-cultural sensitivities During a crisis, sme existing plicy strengths included: Regular cmmunicatin, management visits and mnitring f staff wellbeing Encuraging staff t engage in self-care practices Enabling time ut during an emergency (eg thrugh rtatin f staff, supprting leave) After a crisis, sme existing plicy strengths included: The need fr an rganisatinal debrief fr staff fllwing an emergency respnse Creating pprtunities fr peer debriefing and sharing Enabling sufficient rest and recvery time fr staff and vlunteers Sessin 3: Strengths and Gaps in Crisis Management Practice Wrkshps Wrkshp 3: Appraches that can Supprt a Resilient Cmmunity Respnse (Cmmunity Stream) Presented by: Shadrich Sese, ADRA Presentatin utline: Strengths-based appraches t crisis and cnflict management are a valuable tl t include in cmmunity supprt practices. This presentatin will prvide an verview f hw strength-based appraches were integrated int ADRA s plicies fr pst-cnflict reslutin and peace building prjects fllwing the ethnic tensins in the Slmn Islands. As a result f this sessin, participants will have a better understanding f the rle f strengths-based appraches in cmmunity prjects. Key psychscial principles fr building the resilience f yuth included: In times f crisis, such as the ethnic tensins, yung peple can either cntribute t the destabilisatin f peace r be victims f the crisis themselves Prviding at risk yuths with an pprtunity t practively engage in psitive activities such as incme generatin and sprts can help reduce at risk behaviurs f yuths in cmmunities befre a crisis evlves Sessin 4: Diverse Grups t be Cnsidered in Recvering frm a Crisis Supprting Peple with Mental Health Issues in Times f Crisis (Cuntry Stream) Presented by: William Same, Slmn Islands Ministry f Health Presentatin utline: Prtecting the needs f already vulnerable peple affected by mental health issues is an imprtant plicy issue in the Slmn Islands in times f crisis. The Melanesian cultural cntext prvides a backdrp f cmmunity ties and supprt netwrks that can be ptentially supprtive if apprpriately harnessed, hwever, family care mdels need t als be further enhanced by a mre systemic partnership between prfessinal carers, families and stakehlders s that thse suffering are nt simply sent hme and frgtten. This presentatin will raise awareness f the principles and bjectives that can supprt resilience and recvery f thse dealing with mental health issues such as creating pprtunities fr scial inclusin and prvide a guiding framewrk that participants can reflect upn in the cntext f their wn cmmunity supprt r crisis respnse prgrams. Key factrs supprting the resilience f peple with mental health issues included: Prviding a supprtive envirnment that encurages and builds n the strengths f bth the individual and their cmmunity Finding pprtunities t restre and retain mtivatin and scial inclusin The value f creating rganised netwrks within cmmunities t enable referrals and access t cmmunity supprt as well as health wrkers Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 12

13 Sessin 4: Diverse Grups t be Cnsidered in Recvering frm a Crisis (cntinued) Lcal and Expatriate Staff Supprt Cnsideratins in Times f Crisis (Organisatinal Stream) Presented by: Sam Farmer Presentatin utline: Understanding the diverse needs f bth lcal and expatriate staff affected by a crisis r critical incident is imprtant fr rganisatins in the Pacific. Teams and their leaders can mst effectively prepare fr a crisis if they have an infrmed understanding abut each ther s prfessinal and persnal perspectives and backgrunds. The presenter will give an verview f key staff supprt cnsideratins, and key principles and practices fr systematically supprting the resilience f diverse staff teams in respnse t crisis. In particular, the fcus will be n the imprtance f taking a prepared and preventive apprach t managing crises. The presentatin will ffer a thery f the Disaster Scial Prcess and a prcess t easily facilitate recall f the key cmpnents f preparing fr and managing a crisis. This sessin will help raise awareness f rganisatinal systems f supprt, and prvide a basis fr participants t evaluate their wn rganisatinal practices and plicies upn return t their wrkplaces. Key cnsideratins fr rganisatins supprting staff included: The need fr practive psychlgical preparatin including anticipating what may ccur, identifying vulnerabilities and strengths and planning ways f cping During a crisis event, key respnse activities shuld include assessing safety and needs, fcussing n pririties and respnsibilities and cnsidering what ther systems are in place that can supprt In enabling recvery f staff, sme supprtive practices include assessing staff needs, facilitating pprtunities fr peer cnnectin, and creating pprtunities fr rest, recvery and self-care Sessin 4: Diverse Grups t be Cnsidered in Recvering frm a Crisis (cntinued) Advcating fr the Rights f Children Fllwing Crisis (Cmmunity Stream) Presented by: Wilsn David Presentatin utline: Acknwledging that the psychscial impacts f a crisis can cntinue lng after the event has ccurred is an imprtant cmpnent f effective cmmunity resilience respnses. This presentatin will utline a prject t strengthen schl participatin rates f children in island natins with a high prevalence f ethnic vilence, discriminatin and tribal cnflicts. The presentatin will intrduce key principles and strategies emplyed in the prject, such as training teachers in peace building, punitive discipline strategies and rights f the child and wrking cperatively with key stakehlders and the Ministry f Educatin. Participants will gain insight int hw cmmunity develpment r disaster respnse prjects can be designed with due regard t the psychscial histries f the cmmunities in which they are being implemented. Key principles fr supprting the resilience f children included: Practively building understanding and awareness amngst children n issues affecting their rights Prmting capacity develpment and meaningful participatin f children in peace building activities Strengthening lcal, natinal and reginal netwrks and cperatin fr peace building Sessin 4: Diverse Grups t be Cnsidered in Recvering frm a Crisis (cntinued) Empwering Wmen and Cmmunities Fllwing Crisis Situatins (Cmmunity Stream) Presented by: Dris Puiahi Presentatin utline: An awareness f past and present cnflicts r crises in cmmunities is key t develping and sustaining effective cmmunity prjects. In this presentatin, the presenter utlined key strategies used t prevent cnflict ver natural resurces and strengthen cmmunity resilience in highly lgged areas acrss the Slmn Islands. Cre activities included wrking t invlve wmen in decisin making, supprting micrfinance prjects fr wmen, and imprving cmmunity cnsultatin prcesses. Participants will have been expsed t a strengths-based apprach t empwering cmmunities in the cntext f a histry f cnflict. Key factrs enabling resilience f wmen in cmmunities included: Including wmen in decisin making prcesses and leadership rles Empwering wmen t have financial independence thrugh wmen led savings clubs Wrking with supprtive men and leaders within the cmmunity t enable wmen s pprtunities Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 13

14 Day 3: Maximising and Mbilising Cmmunity Resurces and Netwrks Keynte Address: Cmmunity Resilience in a Crisis: Utilising Cmmunity Resurces and Netwrks Speaker 1: Ms Anuk Ride Speaker 2: Mr Linel Dau Presentatin Outline: Utilising existing cmmunity resurces and netwrks and wrking with lcal strengths can help cntribute t cmmunity resilience at times f crisis. The c-presenters shared sme perspectives f factrs that supprt cmmunity resilience in the cntext f the Slmn Islands; the wrk f the Slmn Islands Develpment Trust (SIDT), and mre generally in cmparative research acrss five cuntries fr the publicatin Cmmunity Resilience in Natural Disasters. This keynte presentatin supprted an understanding f hw netwrks are mbilised in the Slmn Islands, as well as discussing cmmunity resilience cncepts in the glbal and lcal cntext. The dichtmy between lcal and utsider appraches, and mdels fr lcal and internatinal rganisatins wrking tgether n disasters was als discussed. This sessin prvided a valuable springbard fr participants t cnsider implicatins fr mbilising cmmunity resurces and netwrks during the subsequent Frum netwrk sessins, as well as upn return t their wn cmmunities r rganisatins. Key psychscial principles supprting cmmunity resilience included: A gd starting pint is lking at existing examples f resilience and what is already wrking Disasters can ften prvide pprtunities t build resilience and t make future changes and adaptatin based n learning Drawing n traditinal knwledge and warning systems is part f the culture f adaptatin NGOs need t crdinate with lcal peple in the cmmunity t supprt lasting change Striving fr a whle f cmmunity apprach rather than just fcussing n individuals Sessin 1: Mapping f Psychscial Resurces In this sessin, participants mapped current psychscial resurces within the Pacific and Slmn Islands at the levels f cuntry, rganisatin and cmmunity. Each stream examined linkages between different cmmunity resurces t better enable a resilient and systematic respnse t crises. At the end f the sessin, each stream reprted back t the main frum plenary with a brief summary f key discussin pints and utcmes. The sessin was facilitated by lcal Slmn Islands Frum cmmittee members and Mandala Fundatin staff. Mixed Cuntry, Organisatinal and Cmmunity Stream Facilitated by: Lenard Lavea, Francis Tavava, Kate Mint Key factrs highlighted in the psychscial mapping f resurces included: The imprtance f crdinatin and cmmunicatin bth within and between reginal, cuntry, rganisatinal and cmmunity level rganisatins and resurces The need fr integratin and cntextualisatin f key psychscial resurces and infrmatin int plicy and lcal practice (Please see Appendix 2 fr a list f psychscial resurces that were highlighted by lcal, reginal and internatinal Pacific Psychscial Frum participants during the mapping exercise). Sessin 2: Putting Psychscial Principles and Learning int Practice Case studies In this sessin, participants were presented with a hypthetical case study and wrked in three streams t brainstrm pssible respnses at a cuntry, rganisatinal and cmmunity level. The sessin was an pprtunity t draw n the available resurces identified in the mrning sessin and apply skills in implementing r supprting a crisis respnse develped acrss the three days f the frum. At the end f the sessin, each stream reprted back t the main frum plenary with a brief summary f key appraches discussed. Mandala Fundatin - Pacific Psychscial Frum 2012 Pst-Frum Summary Reprt (Full Reprt) Page 14