‘Safeguarding, Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability’: IDDC publish new paper on World Mental Health Day

Posted on: Thursday, October 10th, 2024

Someone, wearing a red CBM Jacket walks through a field alongside someone wearing white.

Marking World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2024, the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) Inclusive Safeguarding Task Group have published a new paper entitled ‘Safeguarding, Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability’. CBM UK’s Karen Glisson was a key contributor to the paper alongside CBM Global and our partners.

It is important for humanitarian and development organisations like CBM to think about safeguarding the mental health of project participants and staff members. The IDDC’s new paper, ‘Safeguarding, Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability’ is aimed at people in the sector who are involved in safeguarding, mental health or disability inclusion. The paper explores the overlap between these fields to better inform the sector’s approach to safeguarding and to mental health, so that both consider the other. It offers actionable insights to foster mental well-being in every aspect of development and humanitarian work.

The paper highlights the importance of seeking input and advice from people with lived experience. As part of the development of the paper, CBM Global and partners Basic Needs Basic Rights Kenya and Edwin Mburu of Mentally Unsilenced facilitated consultations in Nairobi. One participant in the consultation said:

“People with mental health conditions may have a sense of hopelessness, because of the stigma and discrimination they face. Based on previous experiences, they may feel that they will not be believed if they report experiencing abuse or exploitation. This will act as a significant barrier to them reporting a safeguarding breach. To overcome the barriers, participants need to be able to report concerns more easily, and reports must be handled sensitively.”

Participants in the consultations in Kenya also made the following recommendation:

“A safeguarding taskforce or committee made up of people with diverse lived experiences could act as advocates and give recommendations. They could also provide quality control over organisations’ claims on safeguarding.”

CBM UK is proud to have supported the development and launch of this important resource, which provides recommendations on how humanitarian and international development organisations can ensure their safeguarding practices are truly inclusive.