Eight volunteer members of K1 DIRECT recently received a two day psychosocial training facilitated by Inspired – Psychology Practice and Consultancy and the St. Maarten and Netherlands Red Cross.

The two-day training delved into aspects of psychosocial support including self-care, team well being, prevention and communication of needs.

K1 DIRECT received an understanding of psychosocial support, where they had an opportunity to make their own personal stress management plan which was linked to peer support and organizational support, and how they can receive support from team members, supervisors, and the mechanisms the foundation has in place to secure their psychosocial wellbeing.

They also explored possible threats to well being on all levels and possible interventions which include for instance financial, mental, and physical insurance and support.

Participants also learned how to implement psychosocial first aid frameworks such as look-listen-link, and non-violent communication, which focuses on observing behaviors and responding to the need opposed to the emotion/behavior. A major learning point for all involved was in accepting that as volunteers, we don’t always have the tools to fix a situation (which is okay!), but we can comfort and where possible refer (link) persons to possible resources.

It was a fruitful training where K1 DIRECT received a lot of information that can be implemented into its own psychosocial management plan within crisis situations.