Psychosocial Support

CHF International has developed field-tested tools and new approaches to integrate psychosocial support into our broader portfolio of programs. We define psychosocial support as the process of personal, family and community assistance that reestablishes the emotional well-being of individuals, groups and societies coping with traumatic issues. CHF International believes that promoting the psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries and communities is an integral part of successful programming.

Our Approach to Psychosocial Support

> Assistance to community support structures

CHF International’s programming targets the factors that can cause breakdowns in community social structures and networks. Our programs demonstrate that the development of healthy communities promotes individual well-being, especially in conflict and post-conflict settings and for those dealing with stigmatized issues such as HIV/AIDS. CHF International works with communities to develop locally-sustainable democratic governing structures, conflict resolution structures and dialogue mechanisms through support of local networks. These include: families, peer groups, religious and cultural institutions, civic organizations and political authorities. Without community and family support systems, CHF finds that at-risk populations are more vulnerable to abuse, violence and exploitation.

> Provision of resources to build economic opportunities

Economic assistance is woven into CHF International’s psychosocial programs. We find that the provision of economic opportunities and physical resources plays an important role in supporting the emotional well-being of many individuals and families. CHF International also builds the human capacity and community status of marginalized groups including internally-displaced persons (IDPs) and disenfranchised/at-risk youth, by providing vocational skills training and career counseling and bringing marginalized groups together.

> Respect for different cultures and values

All of our programs take into account traditional methods for coping and dealing with emotional stress and trauma. For instance, in Liberia our programs for the reintegration of ex-combatants were linked with indigenous “cleansing” and re-acceptance ceremonies. In Sudan, we work with familiar cultural institutions to provide support to women who are victims of violence.

Download a full fact sheet about CHF's work on psychosocial support below.