‘Psychosocial support’ refers to the actions that address both psychological and social needs of individuals, families and communities. Psychological factors and the social environment have a huge impact on an individual’s physical and mental wellness and their ability to function. Therefore, psychosocial support is a crucial service READ Foundation provides to fragile, young children, children that have been exposed to extremely distressing events, children that have experienced the loss of a loved one, the loss of their home, experienced armed conflicts, natural disasters or other emergencies. Left untreated, the consequences can be devastating to them, their communities, the entire society.

Early and proper psychosocial support can:

– prevent distress and suffering developing into severe conditions – help children cope and become reconciled to everyday life – help them to resume their normal lives – meet community-identified needs