Speakers at the Cherokee Nation Rare Disease Summit urged more research, improved diagnostics and attention to the psychological impacts of living with rare diseases. Organizers said the summit offers peer connection and clinician training to address gaps in care.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) — The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (KPWKM) is ready to provide psychosocial support to the family of Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, who was suspected to have been murdered at a school in Yong Peng, Johor. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the ministry had not yet received any request for assistance from the 16-year-old victim’s family. “No family member has come forward to seek psychosocial support so far, but we are ready should they need it. “We are also taking a cautious approach as we do not want to disturb the […]

Cristiane D Bergerot: Comprehensive care is key in Bladder Cancer / bladder cancer, cancer, CRANE Lab, Cristiane Decat Bergerot, Exercise, Kathryn H Schmitz,

On Time to Talk Day, Open Briefing is launching a range o...

SANDAKAN, April 28 (Bernama) — A total of 262 fire victims from Kampung Bahagia here received psychosocial intervention through sessions conducted by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) at the involved temporary evacuation centres (PPS) from April 20 to 23. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Nancy Shukri said the approach is to help victims stabilise their emotions, reduce the impact of trauma and expedite the recovery process. In addition to providing basic necessities, JKM also emphasises emotional recovery aspects through the implementation of crisis interventions and psychological support for the victims. “Intervention was carried out by JKM psychology […]

Background: Upon arriving in host countries, forcibly displaced people face psychological, cultural, as well as sociostructural challenges. Access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) remains limited, affecting both refugees and host country structures. Digital services offer promise in addressing these challenges, given their potential for scalability and accessibility. Despite the increasing use of digital MHPSS, cultural and contextual adaptation remains insufficiently documented, requiring systematic documentation. Objective: This study aims (1) to assess the psychosocial needs of newly arrived refugees in Switzerland and identify potential digital support solutions and (2) to participatorily develop and culturally adapt the Sui app to address those needs for Arabic-speaking refugees. Methods: We used a 2-phase adaptation process, structured using the RECAPT (Reporting Cultural Adaptation in Psychological Trials) framework to ensure systematic documentation. The preparation phase (2019-2021) included a desk review, needs assessment interviews, and conceptualization discussions. The development phase (2021-2022) included iterative development loops with a user advisory board (UAB) and a beta test, followed by final adjustments. Results: The desk review provided 5 key insights guiding development: mental health stigma, health literacy, sociostructural aspects, adherence to digital interventions, and task-shifting approaches. Findings from the needs assessment with 22 asylum care interviewees, 2 intercultural interpreters, and 4 target group interviewees confirmed the importance of integrating sociostructural and psychological factors. Through conceptualization discussions with a consultancy agency and 4 UAB (n=9) meetings, the scope of the Sui app was drafted: 9 relevant, everyday life topics (eg, asylum process, housing, and work), 5 psychological topics (eg, stress, sleep, and emotion regulation), and 1 peer-guided chat support feature. A multilevel translation process, involving 5 Arabic speakers from different countries, ensured linguistic accessibility. This allowed the UAB to focus on surface, content, and delivery during 19 development loops. The app’s content was delivered in various formats, including text, illustrations, video testimonies, and audio exercises. The beta test revealed high acceptability, with most users engaging with the app several times a week. However, technical challenges such as slow loading times hindered the full exploration of the features. Participants valued the peer support function, highlighting the importance of faster response times and personalized messages. Based on the beta test, technical and content refinements were made to prepare the app for a future quantitative evaluation. Conclusions: Through engagement with stakeholders and adherence to the RECAPT framework, we carefully considered the cultural and contextual circumstances of Arabic-speaking refugees newly arrived in Switzerland. The iterative participatory development process, spanning a preparation and development phase, ensured #usability, accessibility, and relevance, while highlighting challenges in technical implementation and peer support. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of mental health and the needs of refugees and provides insights for future cultural adaptation of MHPSS interventions.

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.

🧠 New research shows mental health interventions can effectively reduce PTSD, depression, and anxiety in populations affected by active armed… #Armedconflict #Globalhealth #MentalHealth #Psychosocialsupport #PTSD

🎙 New Podcast / Nouveau Podcast Understand the key distinctions: objectives, structure, confidentiality, and facilitator roles. Comprenez les différences techniques essentielles pour mieux soutenir et collecter des données. 📅 Next Episode / Prochain épisode : Mardi 09 Décembre 2025 à 12h GMT ✅ Don’t miss it! / Ne manquez pas ça ! 👉 Subscribe, Like, Share & Comment / Abonnez-vous, Aimez, Partagez & Commentez #MHPSS #MentalHealth #PsychosocialSupport #GroupCounseling #FocusGroup #ProfessionalInsights #JRSWAF #Voices #Wellbeing #PodcastAlert

🎙 New Podcast / Nouveau Podcast Understand the key distinctions: objectives, structure, confidentiality, and facilitator roles. Comprenez les différences techniques essentielles pour mieux soutenir et collecter des données. 📅 Next Episode / Prochain épisode : Mardi 09 Décembre 2025 à 12h GMT ✅ Don’t miss it! / Ne manquez pas ça ! 👉 Subscribe, Like, Share & Comment / Abonnez-vous, Aimez, Partagez & Commentez #MHPSS #MentalHealth #PsychosocialSupport #GroupCounseling #FocusGroup #ProfessionalInsights #JRSWAF #Voices #Wellbeing #PodcastAlert

Allexer Namundjembo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will attend a mass memorial service in Mariental today to honour the 16 people who died in a head-on collision near the town on Saturday, the presidency said on Tuesday. The service will be held at the Mariental sports field.  The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security said that the event will start at 11h00, with activities beginning at 10h00.  Minister Lucia Iipumbu said wellness officers and investigators have been sent to Mariental to provide psycho-social support to survivors, families, and colleagues affected by the crash. The car crash that happened in the early hours of Saturday claimed the lives of 14 uniformed officers and two civilians.  It involved a Namibian Correctional Service (NSC) van en route to the Hardap Correctional Facility and a Namibian Police Force vehicle transporting civilians to the Mariental State Hospital. “This is a deep wound, not only to the ministry but to the nation,” Iipumbu said.  The deceased officers are David Musambani, Naemi Shipena, Silvanus Hofeni, Simon Sinyemba, Alina Simeon, Petrus Mbuale, Adreheid Taapopi, Noa Hameho, Tomas Shikongo, Johannes Mbeeli, Jason Amadhila, Katjitombua Muheue, Mercia Louw, and Gerson Hepute. The two civilians are Diana Jagger and her sister Roseltha Higoam.  Iipumbu urged the public to stop sharing graphic images of the accident on social media, saying such actions “cause additional pain to the grieving families and dishonour the memory of the deceased.”  She added, “As we prepare to gather at Mariental to honour our fallen heroes, let us stand united in compassion, solidarity, and prayer.” Nandi-Ndaitwah over the weekend extended condolences to the families, saying the deaths left a void that will not be easily filled.  “These officers, together with the civilians, were part of our Namibian family. Their dedication and service to the country, she added, will “forever be remembered with respect and gratitude.” Affirmative Repositioning Movement leader Job Shipululo Amupanda also expressed sorrow and called on authorities to implement urgent measures to prevent similar incidents.  He urged both the police and the correctional services to assist the families in providing a dignified send-off for the deceased.