Executive Summary
Mental health and psychosocial challenges are rising globally due to conflict, displacement, poverty, social exclusion, climate-related shocks, and public health crises. In many low- and middle-income and fragile settings, formal mental health systems are under-resourced, centralized, and inaccessible to the majority of the population. Community-led approaches to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) offer an effective, culturally appropriate, and sustainable pathway to improve mental well-being, resilience, and social cohesion.
This proposal outlines a community-led MHPSS program designed to strengthen local capacities, promote psychosocial well-being, and ensure access to basic mental health support at the community level. The program emphasizes participation, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity, leveraging community structures, peer support, and task-sharing models. Implemented over a four-year period, the initiative aims to reach over 500,000 people across vulnerable and underserved communities while strengthening referral pathways to formal health systems.
Background and Problem Statement
Mental health conditions account for a significant proportion of the global burden of disease, yet access to care remains extremely limited, particularly in fragile, humanitarian, and low-resource settings. Depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, substance use disorders, and psychosocial distress are prevalent among populations affected by conflict, displacement, gender-based violence, unemployment, and disasters.
Stigma, lack of awareness, shortage of trained professionals, and weak integration of mental health into primary healthcare systems prevent individuals from seeking or receiving support. Formal services are often urban-centered and disconnected from community realities. As a result, individuals rely on informal coping mechanisms, which may be insufficient or harmful.
Community-led MHPSS approaches recognize communities as central actors in promoting mental well-being. By building on local knowledge, social networks, and existing structures, these approaches can reduce stigma, improve access, and foster sustainable mental health support systems.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To improve mental health, psychosocial well-being, and community resilience through inclusive, community-led MHPSS systems.
Specific Objectives
- Increase access to basic mental health and psychosocial support services at the community level.
- Strengthen community capacity to identify, prevent, and respond to mental health and psychosocial challenges.
- Reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions.
- Improve referral pathways between community-based support and formal health services.
- Promote social cohesion, inclusion, and collective healing.
Target Populations and Geographic Focus
Target Populations
- Women, children, and adolescents
- Conflict-affected and displaced populations
- Survivors of gender-based violence
- Youth and unemployed individuals
- Elderly persons and persons with disabilities
Geographic Focus
The program will be implemented in selected vulnerable communities across fragile, post-conflict, and underserved regions, in partnership with local organizations and authorities.
Project Components and Key Activities
- Component 1: Community Mobilization and Awareness
- Community dialogues on mental health and well-being
- Anti-stigma campaigns using culturally appropriate messaging
- Engagement of community leaders, faith-based organizations, and traditional structures
- Promotion of psychosocial well-being through arts, sports, and cultural activities
- Component 2: Capacity Building and Task-Sharing
- Component 3: Community-Based Psychosocial Support Services
- Establishment of safe spaces for group and individual support
- Peer support groups for women, youth, and caregivers
- Child- and adolescent-friendly psychosocial activities
- Integration of livelihood and social support elements to address psychosocial stressors
- Component 4: Referral Pathways and Health System Linkages
- Mapping of available mental health and social services
- Strengthening referral mechanisms to primary healthcare and specialized services
- Collaboration with health workers for early identification and follow-up
- Emergency referral protocols for severe mental health conditions
- Component 5: Monitoring, Learning, and Community Feedback
- Participatory monitoring of well-being outcomes
- Community feedback and accountability mechanisms
- Learning forums to adapt interventions based on local needs
- Documentation of best practices and lessons learned
Cross-Cutting Themes
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
- The program will ensure inclusive participation and address gender-specific mental health needs, including support for survivors of gender-based violence and marginalized groups.
- Conflict Sensitivity and Do No Harm
- All interventions will be conflict-sensitive, avoiding exacerbation of tensions and promoting social cohesion and trust.
- Cultural Appropriateness and Ethics
- MHPSS activities will respect local cultural norms, beliefs, and healing practices while adhering to ethical standards and safeguarding principles.
Expected Results and Outcomes
Key Outputs
- Community members trained in basic MHPSS and psychosocial support
- Functioning community-based support groups and safe spaces
- Anti-stigma and mental health awareness campaigns conducted
- Referral systems established and operational
Outcomes
- Improved psychosocial well-being and coping capacities
- Reduced stigma and increased help-seeking behavior
- Strengthened community resilience and social cohesion
- Improved access to appropriate mental health care
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
The MEL framework will include:
- Baseline and endline assessments of psychosocial well-being
- Monitoring of service utilization and referral outcomes
- Qualitative assessments of community perceptions and resilience
- Adaptive learning and continuous improvement mechanisms
Implementation Strategy and Partnerships
The program will be implemented through partnerships with:
- Local NGOs and community-based organizations
- Health authorities and primary healthcare providers
- UN agencies and international NGOs
- Academic institutions and professional associations
Capacity transfer and local ownership will be prioritized throughout implementation.
Sustainability and Exit Strategy
Sustainability will be achieved through community ownership, integration with primary healthcare and social services, continued capacity building, and policy engagement. By project completion, communities will have functioning support structures and linkages that continue beyond external funding.
Budget Overview
The indicative budget will cover training, community activities, supervision, monitoring, and program management. Cost-effective, scalable approaches will be prioritized, with detailed budgeting developed in consultation with partners and donors.
Conclusion
Community-led approaches to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support provide a powerful and sustainable solution to addressing widespread mental health needs in underserved settings. By empowering communities, reducing stigma, and strengthening linkages to formal systems, this program will improve well-being, resilience, and social cohesion. The initiative aligns with SDG 3, SDG 5, and SDG 16 and contributes to healthier, more resilient societies.
