Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross, said, “Mental and psychosocial support is essential in every emergency. Our experience of recent crises – for example, the horrific Creeslough explosion in Donegal, the fire in Wexford hospital, supporting people severely affected by Storm Éowyn and Ukrainians arriving here seeking safety – is how important and effective psychosocial support is in helping communities rebuild their resilience and recover stronger.”

 

“Psychosocial support is not a luxury but a necessity which is why we offer our volunteers and frontline workers Psychosocial First Aid training to support people in distress. The core approach – Look, Listen, Link – is simple but effective, giving people the skills to pay attention to a distressed person’s actions, listen actively and offer practical assistance. This new data highlights that people’s instinct to care is strong but confidence and skills are low. Early, practical support makes a difference and eases the burden on formal health systems. We will continue equipping both communities and responders with simple, lifesaving mental health skills, and support Government to include community based mental health support in national emergency plans,” added Garvey.

  

The Irish Red Cross offers psychological first aid for volunteers and frontline workers across Ireland, psychological first aid for those who support children, trauma informed psychotherapy for forced migrants, Self Help Plus and Problem Management Plus for professionals and volunteers who are keen to strengthen their own mental health.  

 

Disasters, conflicts, and crises have deep impacts on minds and communities. Rates of mental health conditions can double after disasters, while people in conflict-affected areas are significantly more likely to experience depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Yet, despite this urgent need, less than 2% of global health budgets are allocated to mental health, leaving huge gaps, especially in emergencies where health systems are already disrupted.