Sulayman* is one of the 87 Gambian survivors of a fatal shipwreck which claimed at least 62 lives. The activities were designed to involve survivors, families, community and religious leaders, as well as health and social welfare authorities after a needs assessment was conducted in January. In each community, survivors were encouraged to bond through small group circles. The Supportive Activists Foundation (SAF) Drama Team presented a drama emphasizing the mental health challenges faced by returnees, families and communities, which inspired further community dialogue. To promote the sustainability of this support, IOM trained between two to five volunteers in each community to be 'MHPSS focal persons', equipping them with the tools to support families in identifying symptoms of distress, provide basic psychosocial support and recommend necessary referrals.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 26, 2020 05:48 UTC