Two recent reviews of psychological first aid in disasters show ways for the field to move forward.

The educational course “Psychological First Aid for Healthcare Professionals and Burnout Prevention,” developed by ZDOROVI and Americares as part of the “Doctor’s. Reboot” initiative, is now available...

Background: The rising prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety among the ageing population underscores the need for accessible and effective psychosocial support, particularly for community-dwelling older adults who face barriers like social stigma and limited mental health literacy. Peer volunteers have emerged as a promising resource to support these individuals, yet often lack the requisite training for effective intervention. Objective: To explore the experiences of peer volunteers who participated in a Psychological First Aid (PFA) training programme. Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 older adults between September and October 2024, and data were thematically analyzed. Results: Three themes were identified: (1) Dimensions of volunteerism from motivations to resistance, (2) Empowerment through collaboration learning and (3) Recommendations for designing inclusive, holistic training programmes. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed positive outcomes such as personal growth and strengthened social connections among participants. However, enhancements in teaching methods, logistical arrangements, and session regularity are recommended to optimize the PFA programme. These insights can guide the development of more robust training models to support both peer volunteers and the older adult communities they serve.

When a call for support goes out at the onset of a disaster, we commonly recognize the basic needs: shelter, food, water, clothing. Behavioral health