Introduction and Background
Prolonged conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises have had devastating impacts on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of populations in Syria and Yemen. Years of violence, loss of livelihoods, forced displacement, food insecurity, and disruption of social structures have exposed millions of people—especially women, children, adolescents, and older persons—to chronic stress, trauma, and psychological distress. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and severe emotional distress are widespread, yet access to appropriate care remains extremely limited.
In Syria, more than a decade of conflict has severely weakened the health system, with many mental health facilities damaged or non-functional and a critical shortage of trained professionals. Communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) face immense pressure on already limited services. Similarly, in Yemen, ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and repeated humanitarian emergencies have created one of the world’s largest mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, while stigma, insecurity, and lack of services prevent people from seeking or receiving care.
Global evidence demonstrates that community-based mental health and psychosocial support approaches are among the most effective and scalable solutions in fragile and conflict-affected settings. By integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and community structures, and by strengthening local capacities, such programs can provide culturally appropriate, accessible, and sustainable support to affected populations.
This proposal outlines a comprehensive community-based mental health support program for conflict-affected regions of Syria and Yemen, focusing on psychosocial care, early identification, referral, and resilience-building at the community level.
Problem Statement
Populations in Syria and Yemen face severe and unmet mental health needs due to multiple, overlapping challenges:
- High prevalence of mental health disorders linked to trauma, displacement, and prolonged stress.
- Limited availability of mental health services, particularly in rural, besieged, and displacement-affected areas.
- Shortage of trained mental health professionals and weak integration of mental health into primary healthcare.
- Stigma and low mental health awareness, discouraging help-seeking behavior.
- Ongoing insecurity and humanitarian access constraints, limiting service delivery.
Without timely and appropriate mental health support, psychological distress can lead to long-term disability, family breakdown, reduced coping capacity, and increased protection risks. There is an urgent need for accessible, community-led mental health interventions that complement humanitarian and health responses.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To improve mental health and psychosocial well-being among conflict-affected communities in Syria and Yemen through community-based, culturally appropriate mental health support services.
Specific Objectives
- Increase access to basic mental health and psychosocial support services at the community level.
- Strengthen early identification, referral, and management of common mental health conditions.
- Build the capacity of community workers, health staff, and local organizations to deliver MHPSS services.
- Reduce stigma and improve mental health awareness and help-seeking behavior.
- Enhance individual and community resilience in conflict-affected settings.
Target Areas and Beneficiaries
Geographic Focus
- Syria: Conflict-affected and displacement-hosting communities in accessible regions with limited mental health services.
- Yemen: Conflict-affected rural and urban areas, including IDP settlements and host communities.
Target Beneficiaries
- Adults and adolescents affected by conflict-related stress and trauma
- Women, children, and survivors of violence
- Internally displaced persons and host communities
- Community health workers, volunteers, and local NGOs
The project aims to directly support approximately 60,000–80,000 individuals over three years, with indirect benefits reaching many more through strengthened community systems.
Project Components and Key Activities
- Component 1: Community Assessment and Engagement
- Conduct participatory mental health and psychosocial needs assessments.
- Map existing community resources, referral pathways, and service gaps.
- Engage community leaders, religious leaders, women’s groups, and youth.
- Establish community MHPSS committees to guide implementation.
- Component 2: Community-Based Psychosocial Support Services
- Establish safe spaces for group and individual psychosocial support.
- Provide psychological first aid (PFA) and basic counseling services.
- Facilitate peer support groups for women, adolescents, and caregivers.
- Integrate recreational, social, and resilience-building activities.
- Component 3: Integration with Primary Healthcare
- Train primary healthcare staff on basic mental health care using WHO mhGAP guidelines.
- Integrate mental health screening into primary healthcare services.
- Strengthen referral mechanisms for moderate and severe cases.
- Support continuity of care through follow-up and community outreach.
- Component 4: Capacity Building and Supervision
- Train community health workers and volunteers in MHPSS approaches.
- Build skills in identification, referral, and basic psychosocial care.
- Provide regular supervision, mentoring, and self-care support for staff.
- Strengthen local NGOs to manage and sustain community MHPSS activities.
- Component 5: Awareness Raising and Stigma Reduction
- Conduct culturally appropriate mental health awareness campaigns.
- Use community dialogues, radio, and local media to promote understanding.
- Engage religious and community leaders to address stigma and misconceptions.
- Promote positive coping strategies and help-seeking behaviors.
Cross-Cutting Themes
- Protection and Do No Harm
- All activities will follow humanitarian protection principles, ensuring confidentiality, safety, and ethical service delivery.
- Gender and Inclusion
- The project will ensure safe, inclusive access for women, children, older persons, and people with disabilities, with tailored approaches for survivors of violence.
- Conflict Sensitivity
- Interventions will be conflict-sensitive, locally adapted, and designed to avoid exacerbating tensions.
Expected Results and Outcomes
Key Outputs
- Community MHPSS services established in targeted locations.
- 1,200+ community workers and health staff trained in basic mental health support.
- 60,000+ individuals receive psychosocial support and mental health services.
- Functional referral systems established with health and protection services.
Outcomes
- Improved psychological well-being and coping capacity among beneficiaries.
- Increased utilization of mental health services.
- Reduced stigma and improved mental health awareness.
- Strengthened community resilience and social cohesion.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
The MEL framework will include:
- Baseline and follow-up assessments of psychosocial well-being.
- Routine monitoring of service delivery and referrals.
- Beneficiary feedback and accountability mechanisms.
- Learning reviews to adapt programming in dynamic conflict settings.
Implementation Strategy and Partnerships
The project will be implemented through partnerships with:
- Local and international NGOs experienced in MHPSS
- Community-based organizations and volunteers
- Primary healthcare providers and humanitarian health clusters
- Coordination with UN agencies and local authorities where feasible
Strong coordination will ensure complementarity with humanitarian responses.
Sustainability and Exit Strategy
Sustainability will be promoted through:
- Building long-term capacity of community workers and local NGOs
- Integrating mental health into primary healthcare services
- Strengthening community ownership and peer support structures
- Gradual transition of activities to local partners where conditions allow
Budget Overview (Indicative)
The estimated budget for the three-year program is USD 2.5–3.5 million, covering:
- Community-based service delivery and staffing
- Training, supervision, and capacity building
- Awareness campaigns and community engagement
- Monitoring, evaluation, and program management
A detailed budget will be developed with donors and partners.
Conclusion
Community-based mental health support is a critical and life-saving intervention in conflict-affected regions such as Syria and Yemen. By strengthening local capacities, integrating mental health into primary care, and addressing stigma through community engagement, this program will improve psychological well-being, resilience, and dignity for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. The proposed initiative aligns with humanitarian principles, WHO MHPSS guidelines, and donor priorities for protection, health, and resilience in fragile contexts.
