District-Level Training of Trainers Programme Concludes in Mayurbhanj Focus on Strengthening Psychosocial Support During Disasters

Baripada, September 5: A three-day District-Level Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme aimed at providing timely psychosocial support to disaster-affected people and strengthening community resilience at the grassroots level concluded in Mayurbhanj. The three-day training programme, held on the theme “Enhancing Psychosocial Care for Communities in Disaster-Prone Areas,” was organised at the DPRC Training Hall at Murgabadi, Baripada, under the chairmanship of District Emergency Officer Tapas Kumar Mahanta. The primary objective of the training was to enhance the skills of frontline personnel and other stakeholders to identify the psychological needs of disaster-affected people and provide them with effective psychosocial support. The training particularly highlighted the importance of such support as people affected by disasters often face psychological challenges such as fear, anxiety, grief and emotional stress, in addition to physical and financial losses. The participants received detailed training on psychological first aid, psychosocial care, early identification of psychological distress, supportive communication and referral mechanisms according to individual needs. They were also sensitised to the importance of maintaining their own mental well-being and emotional balance while assisting others during disasters. Various sessions included interactive discussions, practical exercises, case-based learning and experience sharing, with emphasis on adopting a people-centred and sensitive approach during disasters. The need for effective coordination among different departments, health and social-care personnel, disaster management officials and community-level volunteers during the preparedness, response and recovery phases was also highlighted. The programme helped create a skilled pool of trained resource persons, who will subsequently be able to impart knowledge and practical skills related to psychosocial support to community-level workers and volunteers. This initiative is expected to facilitate timely psychosocial assistance to vulnerable and disaster-affected communities and further strengthen community resilience across the district. At the concluding ceremony, certificates were presented to all participants who successfully completed the training programme. The training was organised by the District Disaster Management Authority, Mayurbhanj, in collaboration with the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), Bhubaneswar. OSDMA Deputy General Manager Rashmita Lenka and State Project Officer Fakir Charan Rout attended as observers and master trainers and imparted training to the participants. District Project Officer Jagabandhu Mohanty coordinated the programme. Psychologist Gita Besra and Counsellor of the Sakhi One Stop Centre, Anjana Majhi, assisted as support master trainers. Julimani Behera and Kabita Ghadei provided support in conducting the programme.