Beyond Disasters

24/03/2025

Coping with disaster-related mental health: what support is available?
Our EviMaPS international project reviewed disaster-related mental health and psychosocial policies and programs. We looked at what is happening in practice in different parts of the world, compared to the evidence and the international guidelines. It is now complete – see the WHO announcement - https://wkc.who.int/resources/news/item/11-03-2025-coping-with-disaster-related-mental-health-do-support-programmes-help
There is more to come! I will post when the summary recommendations are available and when the article is published.

The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre – WKC) commissioned the Evidence Mapping of Psychosocial Supports (EviMaPS) study to identify policies and programmes on disaster-related mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and assess their impact on mental health. The project also...

21/01/2025

It is with great sadness that I share the news that Professor David Johnston of Massey University passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday. David was an absolute leader in disaster resilience and recovery research. He founded the Joint Centre for Disaster Research at Massey University Pukeahu Campus in Aotearoa New Zealand conducting multidisciplinary applied research that had a direct influence on policy and practice. David was a wonderful collaborator of our Beyond Disasters program, in particular in the co-development of our Disaster Recovery Capitals resources - and we were planning to do so much more together this year. Vale David and my deepest sympathies to family, close friends and colleagues.