Mental and emotional health are fundamental in improving the overall wellbeing of the Myanmar people. Recognizing this, the Myanmar Red Cross Society first introduced the Psychosocial Support Programme in 2006 and its complementary Community-Based Psychosocial Support Training Manual. MRCS initially trained 25 participants in psychosocial care (from 17 states and divisions) in 2007, who then used their new skills to support devastated communities during and after Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Given the success of PSP and the growing need for mental and emotional health programs, MRCS has since expanded its psychosocial support capabilities on a nationwide scale. Today, psychosocial support training is integrated into all of MRCS’s health divisions, including Health and Care, First Aid and Safety, and Disaster Management. Our Society is dedicated to helping all Myanmar people achieve an overall sense of stability by providing opportunities to release stress and tension, activities that rebuild and/or strengthen social networks, and supporting other proactive outlets in all types of emergency or non-emergency situations.
Some of our past activities have included:
- Community-based singing
- Group cooking
- Traditional mat-making
- Nipa Palm thatching
- Drawing and art sessions for schoolchildren
- Local boat rowing customs
- Distribution of toys
- Distribution of Community Kits
- Distribution of Recreational Sets
If you would like to know more about our psychosocial support efforts, please contact us at mrcscom1[at]myanmarredcross.org.mm.