UNICEF, Afeyan Foundation expand mental health support for displaced Armenian youth

(Horizon Media / YEREVAN) — UNICEF Armenia and the Afeyan Foundation have announced the completion of a joint programme aimed at expanding mental health and psychosocial support services for displaced Artsakh Armenians and vulnerable host communities across Armenia.

Launched as part of UNICEF’s humanitarian response following the September 2023 displacement of more than 115,000 Armenians from Artsakh, including some 36,000 children, the initiative focused on children, adolescents, caregivers and frontline professionals.

Under the programme, 2,017 adolescent peer-support volunteers and 1,098 parent and social-worker volunteers were trained to provide basic psychosocial assistance, promote mental health awareness and help connect individuals with specialized services when needed. Peer-led outreach activities reached more than 44,000 community members.

The initiative also provided around 2,000 children and young people with opportunities for social interaction and self-expression through visual storytelling, theatre and music-based activities aimed at strengthening community resilience and social cohesion.

As part of the partnership, UNICEF also launched the Armenian version of uSupport, a digital mental health platform offering young people, parents and professionals access to consultations, self-help resources and referral services.

UNICEF Representative in Armenia Dr. Ghassan Khalil said the programme helped strengthen support networks for families affected by displacement, while Afeyan Initiatives for Armenia CEO Irina Seylanyan described investment in the mental health and wellbeing of young people as an investment in Armenia’s future.