Czech-UNDP Project Boosts Georgian Mental Health Peer Work
A collaborative project, 'Building Local Mental Health Peer-Work Capacities in Georgia', has concluded successfully. Running from 2022 to 2025, it was a joint effort between the Czech Centre for Mental Health Care Development, the Georgian organization Partnership for Equal Rights, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project received backing from various international bodies and embassies, aiming to strengthen mental health services in Georgia.
World Mental Health Day saw the UNDP and the Czech Embassy in Georgia team up to bolster mental health peer work. The project, part of the Czech-UNDP Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), achieved remarkable results. It supported six mental health services, trained 24 peer workers, and enhanced the skills of 30 mental health professionals. A national team of 16 experts was established to lead future training.
The initiative diversified mental health services and fostered a platform for recovery-oriented care. It was implemented by the UNDP through the Czech Challenge Fund, with financial support from the Czech Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project addressed the significant global issue of mental health, with at least five percent of Georgia's population estimated to live with mental health conditions, mirroring the worldwide figure of over one billion people.
The project's conclusion saw Czech and Georgian partners pledge to advance inclusive and effective mental health care in Georgia. While specific financial supporters couldn't be identified, it's common for such projects to be backed by international organizations, health authorities, NGOs, or foundations focused on mental health improvement. The World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union (EU), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and local Georgian organizations could potentially have contributed.
