The VCS Emergencies Partnership Mental Health Network is a working group of the Emergencies Partnership (EP) which includes both partners of the EP and organisations from the wider voluntary and community sector.
The network was established to better meet the needs of those who struggle, or are likely to struggle, with mental health issues during and following emergencies. They share resources and learning that can support communities and aim to challenge the stigma that is experienced by people reaching out for support, whether their trauma occurred a few days, weeks or years ago.
Whilst the group doesn’t develop or offer mental health services, they do facilitate timely access to them, raise awareness of where there are gaps in accessing vital services and equip responders with the knowledge needed to signpost to support. They also advocate for person-centred approaches that seek to reduce the disproportionate impacts some face and for greater acknowledgement of community trauma.
Resources
Bee the Difference (National Emergencies Trust)
The Bee the Difference report compiles the experiences of young survivors of the Manchester Arena attack to provide better understanding on how to support those affected by terror in the future.
Psychosocial Reference Centre (IFRC)
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Psychosocial Reference Centre has a number of resources on psychosocial support in crisis and emergency responses.
Creating the best environment for recovery (UK Trauma Council)
Research, evidence and principles that can guide leaders of educational communities to best respond over the days, weeks, months and years following potentially traumatic events.
Understanding trauma and adversity (YoungMinds)
This resource provides information and advice on the definitions of trauma and adversity, how it may present itself, and how to support a young person who is struggling with the effects.
Supporting People After Terrorism (Counter Terrorism Preparedness Network)
This document - developed by the CTPN Humanitarian Assistance and Psychological Support Expert Group - offers information, guidance, practical tips and further resources for supporting people impacted by terrorism.
Mapping the Mental Health Sector (Association of Mental Health Providers - AMHP)
This app was created for the purpose of highlighting the disparity of mental health service access between areas of England.
Coping with stress following a major incident (NHS)
This NHS leaflet provides information on how people, including children, may feel in the days and months after being affected by or involved in a traumatic incident.
Wellbeing guide (IFRC)
This International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Wellbeing guide helps people find support to deal with everyday and major emergencies. It contains advice for when feeling overwhelmed and distressed and how to strengthen inner resources.
Childhood trauma, war, migration and asylum (UK Trauma Council)
Evidence based resources to help children and young people affected by war, migration and asylum as well as the professionals supporting them in educational and community settings.
Mental health directory (Bayo/The Ubele Initiative)
Bayo is a directory to find collectives, organisations and services from across the UK – run by and for the Black community – to support mental health and wellbeing.
Healing Spaces (International Rescue Committee)
The IRC’s Healing Spaces training is a trauma informed training designed to support community organisations, charities and others supporting refugee children and youth in the UK.
Find your Local Mind
There are around 100 local Minds across England and Wales. Use this tool to find your nearest local Mind. Each local Mind has their own website with information on what they offer in your area.
Psychosocial support (British Red Cross)
Find out what BRC’s psychosocial and mental health team does, and how you can get and give support for psychological and emotional issues.
Wellbeing guide (IFRC Translations)
The IFRC wellbeing guide is also available in Arabic, Bosnian, French, Portuguese and Ukrainian.
Supporting children and young people after potentially traumatic events (UK Trauma Council)
Practical, evidence-informed suggestions to support school-aged children and young people in the first days and weeks following a frightening and distressing event.
Hub of Hope (Chasing the Stigma)
A database that brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services together in one place.
Hope and Light (Healthy Minds)
Access culturally responsive mental health services for Black African, Black Caribbean, Central and Eastern European, Roma and South Asian communities.
Events
For more information, or to request the link to attend, email info@vcsep.org.uk and we’ll put you in touch with the network leads.
