Since 2008, the Croatian Red Cross has been developing and implementing mental health and psychosocial support programs for people affected by crises such as natural disasters, climate change, forced migration and displacement, but also for people in difficult living circumstances such as poverty and social exclusion.
The goal of the program is to provide timely emotional and practical support, empower individuals and communities, and connect them to appropriate support systems. This reduces the risk of long-term adverse consequences and promotes recovery and the preservation of psychological well-being.
Support is provided by trained staff and volunteers through individual and group activities, aimed at the well-being of individuals, their families and communities.
The programs are based on the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, relevant international policies and resolutions, as well as on national strategic documents and the humanitarian role of the Croatian Red Cross in the field of health protection.
Mental health and psychosocial support are an integral part of various Croatian Red Cross programs, including migration, crisis response, social services, first aid, youth and volunteer work, restoring family links, and water rescue. In this way the availability of basic forms of psychosocial support is ensured for all beneficiaries of the Croatian Red Cross services, in accordance with their needs and circumstances.
Training
The Croatian Red Cross continuously trains its staff and volunteers to provide psychosocial support and psychological first aid. This ensures quality beneficiary support, while protecting the staff and volunteers from stress and burnout.
People interested in participating in MHPSS programs or joining specialised teams for the provision of psychosocial support can contact their nearest Croatian Red Cross local branch.
Publications
The Croatian Red Cross has published a number of publications in the field of mental health and psychosocial support, which are intended for staff and volunteers, but also for other professionals. The publications are mostly published in Croatian and can be accessed via the following link.
In addition to the publications of the Croatian Red Cross, numerous tools, publications and educational materials are available on the website of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub (MHPSS Hub) intended for various groups of beneficiaries, including professionals, helpers, volunteers and the general public.
Cooperation
The Croatian Red Cross cooperates with a number of national institutions and organisations that provide support to vulnerable groups, which further strengthens the quality and availability of services.
As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Croatian Red Cross works closely with the IFRC and ICRC, using international guidelines and knowledge exchange to continuously improve its work.
The Croatian Red Cross also participates in the work of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support European Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Network (MHPSS), thus contributing to the exchange of experiences and the development of good practices at the international level.
Educational content for the public
Through its programs, the Croatian Red Cross develops activities aimed at promoting mental health and strengthening psychosocial well-being. People in need are provided with basic forms of individual and group psychosocial support, and through educational activities and campaigns the public is informed about ways to preserve mental health, recognise signs of distress, and what they can do for themselves and others in difficult situations, such as various natural disasters, but also other events that can cause intense emotional reactions and disturb the sense of security.
An increasing number of citizens are at risk of impaired mental health due to poverty, social exclusion, loneliness and other adverse life circumstances. The stigma associated with mental health remains one of the biggest obstacles to seeking help on time, which causes many people to delay or avoid seeking support. The early recognition of difficulties and the timely availability of appropriate forms of aid are key to preventing the development of more serious problems and maintaining mental health.
