STEPin - Voices of wellbeing

In this episode, Victor Ugo , MHPSS and Youth Engagement Advisor at the MHPSS Collaborative, discusses why involving youth in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) responses is essential. He explains how engaging young people throughout the design and implementation of programmess leads to longer-term, more impactful outcomes. Victor also emphasizes the importance of diversity and ensurin...

In this episode, Maria Chiara Monti , group analyst and expert in ethnopsychology from Centro Penc, delves into the cultural factors that shape mental health and psychosocial care for migrants and refugees. The discussion covers key topics such as migration statistics, the reasons behind forced migration, and the trauma experienced by refugees. Maria Chiara also explains the ethnopsi approach, its...

In this episode, Ruth O’Connell and Antria Spyrido , MHPSS regional specialists from UNICEF, discuss the importance of developing psychological and psychosocial interventions tailored specifically for children and youth. They explain why adult-centered approaches are not appropriate to use with children and adolescents as they face their own unique challenges that require specialized support. The...

In this episode, host Pernille introduces the WHO-developed mental health interventions "Doing What Matters in Times of Stress" and "Self Help Plus (SH+)," before welcoming George and Eleftheria from Terre des Hommes Greece to dive deeper into PM+ (Problem Management Plus). They explain the PM+ methodology and its effectiveness in helping individuals manage stress and adversity. They also explain...

In this episode, Sandra Agodenze , a public health expert and researcher at War Child Alliance Uganda, explains what stigma around mental health means and how it affects individuals, families, communities, and even entire societies. She discusses the negative impact stigma has on mental well-being and social progress. Most importantly, Sandra shares practical steps we can take to reduce the stigma...

In this episode, Orso Muneghina explores the crucial role of scalable, evidence-based psychological interventions in closing the global mental health gap, especially for those facing adversity. He highlights how mental health services are often underfunded or inaccessible, and how training non-specialists to deliver these interventions can decentralize support and extend care to underserved commun...

In this podcast episode, Enas Elhaldi sheds light on the severe mental health crisis in Sudan due to the ongoing conflict. She explains how fear, displacement, and continuous violence are deeply affecting children, families, and social structures. Many people face a loss of income, increasing negative thoughts, and the breakdown of family units, while others are subjected to conflict-related sexua...

In this podcast episode, Iryna Frankova , discusses the profound mental health impacts of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She highlights the widespread distress caused by family separation, loss, grief, and human rights violations, which are affecting people across the country. Iryna explains the importance of preventive interventions, including Psychological First Aid (PFA) and other support pro...

In this episode, Alastair Ager from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, discusses the global mental health gap and the role of community-based support. We explore the mental health treatment gap, which highlights the lack of access to mental health services, especially for children and youth. Alastair shares insights from his experiences, including progress made in Sierra Leone, where collaborat...

In this episode, Ken Miller , Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and expert on communities affected by armed conflict and refugees, discusses the challenges faced by both children and adults, and focuses in particular on the impact of daily stressors. The conversation explores how trauma during childhood affects mental health, particularly in conflict zones, and highlights t...

In this episode Carmen Valle-Trabadelo , from the IFRC PS Centre, explores the definition of mental health and the importance of helping individuals navigate challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Carmen explains the concept of psychosocial well-being, common mental health issues, and disorders, and breaks down the meaning of MHPSS. Join us to learn how MHPSS provides structured guidelines for addr...

Get a glimpse into "Voices of Wellbeing" hosted by Pernille Hansen.  This series will explore mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children and families facing adversity, sharing key insights and real-world experiences from the field.