Disability-Inclusive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Training for International NGO

Case Study

An international NGO renowned for its pioneering efforts in inclusive humanitarian aid, specializes in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in diverse and challenging contexts. Over the years, the organization amassed a range of training resources to support its global staff in delivering Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). However, these resources were often fragmented, creating inconsistencies in the quality and depth of training received by staff. Furthermore, the NGO’s historical focus on physical disabilities highlighted a gap in addressing cognitive and developmental disabilities, particularly in emergency and disaster settings.

To address these challenges, the NGO embarked on an ambitious initiative to overhaul its training materials, aiming to consolidate and enhance its resources into a cohesive global training toolkit. This initiative was driven by a dual purpose:

Strengthening the capacity of the NGO’s’s MHPSS staff to deliver inclusive, high-quality support.
Bridging gaps in knowledge and practice related to delivery of MHPSS programming for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Catalystas Consulting was engaged to develop the three first modules of this toolkit, laying the foundation for a comprehensive training program that would redefine disability inclusion in MHPSS.

From September 2021 to September 2023, PAX carried out the Promoting a Victims’ Centered Response to HLP Violations as an Obstacle to Peace and Justice in Syria project which spanned from Northwest to Northeast of Syria; with PAX engaging various stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach. Funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour (DRL), the project aimed to strengthen the role of affected communities and victims of HLP rights violations in Syria through the development of transitional justice and peacebuilding responses to these violations. An independent evaluation conducted by Catalystas Consulting in early 2024 assessed the project’s overall impact, based on the OECD-DAC Evaluation criteria of relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. The evaluation has captured lessons learned and provided strategic recommendations to inform future programming for PAX and its partners.

Key Phases

Catalystas delivered a multifaceted approach to address the NGO’s needs, encompassing the following services:

Training Module Design:
- Module 1: Introduction to MHPSS and Core Concepts Focused on foundational knowledge, including the historical evolution of MHPSS, key principles such as inclusivity to groups with diverse needs and human rights, and practical interventions tailored to diverse contexts.
- Module 2: Inclusive Communication and Basic Communication Skills Emphasized effective communication techniques for engaging with individuals living with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities, as well as strategies for navigating challenging situations.
- Module 3: Self-Care for MHPSS Staff Highlighted the importance of self-care, resilience, and compassion fatigue prevention for frontline workers, and provided participants with practical resources to use in their work for their own self-care.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Conducted interviews with the NGO’s MHPSS staff to gather insights on existing gaps, needs, and priorities.
- Facilitated discussions with key informants to ensure the training content was aligned with the realities faced by staff in diverse operational settings.
Interactive Training Tools:
- Developed facilitator guides, case studies, and group activities that encouraged hands-on learning and practical application.
- Proposed the use of interactive tools facilitation techniques to foster engagement during both in-person and online sessions.
Ethical and Inclusive Practices:
- Ensured the training adhered to Catalystas’ Ethical Data Collection Handbook, with a focus on cultural sensitivity, intersectionality, and co-creation.
- Integrated accessibility measures to accommodate participants with varying needs.
- Employed accessible layout and design principles for a visually appealing and inclusive format.

Methodology Used

Catalystas followed a structured, two-phase approach to deliver an intact and comprehensive training module:

Review and Research:
- Desk Review: Analyzed the NGO’s existing materials and supplementary resources to identify strengths and gaps.
- Stakeholder Interviews: Conducted qualitative interviews with the NGO’s MHPSS staff to inform the training content. This included discussions on gaps in existing training, challenges faced in the field, and priorities for the new modules.
Module Development and Validation:
- Content Development: Drafted module outlines with a focus on practical relevance, cultural sensitivity, and interactive learning principles.
- Interactive Elements: Designed activities, such as role plays, group discussions, and case studies, to encourage experiential learning.
- Validation: Engaged the NGO’s staff in feedback sessions to refine the modules and ensure alignment with organizational goals; shared interim drafts of course outline and slides to provide HI with opportunity to give feedback.

Catalystas’ methodology was rooted in inclusivity, aiming to equip MHPSS practitioners with tools that could be effectively applied across varied cultural, economic, and political contexts.

Key Results

The project achieved several notable outcomes, including:

Enhanced Capacity for Inclusion:
- The modules provided MHPSS staff with a deeper understanding of disability inclusion, emphasizing the intersection of physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities with other vulnerabilities.
Improved Communication Skills:
- Staff gained practical tools for inclusive communication, enabling them to engage effectively with individuals with diverse needs and challenges.
Focus on Staff Well-Being:
- The self-care module equipped staff with strategies to prevent burnout, manage stress, and build resilience, addressing a critical need in humanitarian contexts.
Scalable and Flexible Training Model:
- The modules were designed for both in-person and virtual delivery, ensuring accessibility and cost-effectiveness for global staff.
Empowered Practitioners:
- By integrating real-world case studies and scenarios, the training fostered confidence among participants, enabling them to apply their learning directly to fieldwork.
Ethical and Inclusive Framework:
- The project reinforced the NGO’s commitment to ethical practices, prioritizing cultural sensitivity, intersectionality, and respect for diversity.

This project underscores Catalystas’ expertise in delivering innovative, inclusive solutions that align with organizational goals and field realities. The Disability-Inclusive MHPSS Training developed by Catalystas sets a new benchmark for capacity building in humanitarian aid, equipping staff with the knowledge and tools to support some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

By addressing critical gaps in knowledge and practice, the training modules not only enhance service delivery but also contribute to a broader culture of inclusion and resilience within the humanitarian sector. This partnership between the NGO and Catalystas highlights the transformative potential of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing human dignity and well-being.

compounded by time constraints. Our aspiration is that this evaluation yields insightful recommendations that bolster ongoing HLP violations in Syria. It has been an honor to collaborate with dedicated entities such as PAX and individuals fervently committed to restoring dignity and rights for individuals and families.

Scope of Work

Catalystas provided the following services for our client

Aspire

Do

Assess

Related Tags

#CapacityBuilding, #DisabilityInclusion, #HumanitarianInnovation, #HumanitarianTraining, #InclusiveAid, #IntersectionalityInPractice, #MentalHealthMatters, #TrainingDevelopment, MHPSS