Enhancing capacity and critical skills on psychological preparedness

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 30, 2019

SHILLONG: The Department of Psychology, Martin Luther Christian University organised a sensitization programme on psychological care and disaster risk reduction on July 30 in the University’s premises. The programme was organised in collaboration with US. Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Government of India.

The main objective of the programme is to enlighten the participants about the importance of psychosocial support during times of disasters and calamities. The programme also seeks to build and enhance the participants’ capacity and critical skills on psychosocial preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

About 25 students of the University participated in the programme. The participants were briefed on a disaster victim’s various stages of reaction including normal and abnormal kinds of reactions. The participants were also given tips on providing a “spectrum of care” approach when dealing with disaster victims which includes administering them not only physical but most importantly psychological rehabilitation.