The recent floods have left many survivors and affected communities experiencing shock, grief, and emotional distress. In response, UMN is equipping volunteers from CIRDS with Psychological First Aid (PFA) skills to provide immediate emotional and practical support to individuals staying in holding centres.

From 10-13 September, a three-day PFA training was conducted in Dhading for 12 volunteers, including a practical field exercise at a holding centre. We were privileged to have Safal Sapkota, an experienced PFA practitioner, facilitate the training and equip participants with essential skills to support flood-affected communities with care and compassion.

The trained volunteers have now been mobilised to provide support over the next two weeks. A final debriefing and reflection workshop will be conducted at the end of their deployment to capture lessons learned and strengthen future psychosocial support efforts.