Evidence from the frontline: Mental health in crisis affected contexts
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Evidence from the frontline: Mental health in crisis affected contexts is a six-episode podcast mini-series from the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub and our Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) programme.
Why this podcast series?
Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is critical in humanitarian settings, yet evidence-informed practices don’t always reach the field. This podcast series aims to close that gap. Created with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement MHPSS Hub and our Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) programme, it shares practical insights from innovators, implementers and technical experts, and research-backed interventions tailored to humanitarian, refugee and crisis-affected contexts.
The podcast seeks to engage MHPSS practitioners within and beyond the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, policymakers and donors with MHPSS portfolios with practical insights and viewpoints from expert commentators addressing effectiveness and implementation, adaptation, integration into programming, human resources, costs and contextual/cultural consideration.
The interventions featured in this series have been tested through rigorous research to assess their effectiveness and implementation, adaptation, integration into programming, human resources, costs and contextual and cultural considerations.
Aimed at practitioners keen to learn not only what interventions are available, but how where and how they work, the podcast provides expert insights to help practitioners connect each intervention to their work on the ground, with links in the show notes to help promote the uptake of interventions showcased in each episode. Show notes will signpost practitioners to further information, including tools, manuals, guidance etc.
Overview of the podcast episodes
Each episode, out of the six-episode series, explores an intervention tested through rigorous research and provides real-world perspectives on effectiveness, cultural adaptation, costs, delivery, and integration into programming. By bridging research and practice, the series supports uptake of evidence-based MHPSS approaches across humanitarian responses.
Listen to the podcasts to learn and explore further information about the projects mentioned in the podcast through the links provided.
Episode 2 – CETA (coming soon)
Episode 3 – Child friendly spaces (coming soon)
Episode 4 – Family interventions – ACF (coming soon)
Episode 5 – EASE (Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions) (coming soon)
Episode 6 – AI and chatbots for MHPSS (coming soon)
Our approach
We aim to support MHPSS practitioners by making evidence accessible, relevant, and actionable. Each episode features expert voices, field experiences, and supporting resources to promote informed decision-making and improve practice in humanitarian, refugee and crisis-affected settings.