Introduction to Sphere for Psychosocial Volunteers in Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia, 8-12 December 2023

Training of Psychosocial Volunteers with Sphere Standards:

1. Introduction to Sphere Standards,

Purpose and Scope: Explain the Sphere Standards as a set of guidelines for humanitarian response, emphasizing their relevance to psychosocial support.

Core Principles: Highlight key principles such as humanity, impartiality, and accountability, and discuss their application in psychosocial interventions.

2. Understanding Psychosocial Needs in Humanitarian Settings

Definition and Scope: Define psychosocial support and its importance in addressing emotional and social needs during crises.

Impact of Crisis: Discuss how crises and disasters affect mental health and well-being, emphasizing the need for sensitive and effective support.

3. Application of Sphere Standards in Psychosocial Support

Humanitarian Principles: Explore how principles like dignity, non-discrimination, and community participation guide psychosocial interventions.

Coordination and Collaboration: Highlight the importance of working with local partners and other sectors to deliver integrated psychosocial care.

4. Practical Skills and Techniques

Psychosocial Assessment: Train volunteers in conducting culturally sensitive assessments to identify needs and vulnerabilities.

Trauma-Informed Approaches: Introduce techniques for providing trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment.

Cultural Competence: Provide tools and strategies for understanding and respecting cultural differences in psychosocial support.

5. Ethical Considerations

Confidentiality and Consent: Discuss ethical guidelines for maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent in psychosocial interactions.

Professional Boundaries: Address the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and ethical behavior in all interactions with beneficiaries.

6. Case Studies and Role-Playing

Simulation Exercises: Conduct role-playing scenarios based on real-life situations to practice applying Sphere standards in psychosocial support settings.

Case Studies: Analyze case studies to explore ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes in psychosocial interventions.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

Outcome Measurement: Introduce methods for monitoring and evaluating the impact of psychosocial interventions aligned with Sphere standards.

Continuous Improvement: Discuss the importance of feedback mechanisms and learning from experiences to continuously improve volunteer practices.

This structured training approach ensures that psychosocial volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness necessary to provide compassionate and effective support aligned with Sphere standards in humanitarian settings.