Strengthening Accountability in the Area of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Children and Youth in Ukraine

The project is aimed at children and youth, particularly students at vocational and higher education institutions, as well as young people who use mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS). MHPSS specialists, representatives of educational institutions, and civil society organizations will also be involved in the project.

As part of the project, the NGO “Association of Women Abmassadors of Ukraine” will develop and test a model of public accountability in the field of MHPSP, which will enable the systematic involvement of children and youth in assessing the quality and accessibility of services and in formulating recommendations for their improvement. The project involves conducting research on the needs and experiences of children, youth, and service providers, as well as preparing an analytical report and practical recommendations.

A separate component will be the development of an interactive facilitation game for youth, through which participants will be able to evaluate MZPSP services, identify their own needs, and collaboratively develop proposals for improving them. The tool will be tested during pilot sessions, and representatives from educational institutions, student government bodies, and civil society organizations will receive training on how to use it going forward.

The project aims to strengthen the participation of children and youth in decision-making, develop effective feedback mechanisms, and ensure that their experiences and needs are taken into account when planning, providing, and improving mental health and psychosocial support services.