Call for Proposals: Developing a Mental Health Response Strategy among Converge LGUs

Developing a Mental Health Response Strategy among Converge LGUs

Project Overview

CONVERGE is a three-year US Department of State Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (DoS-CSO)-funded program with a focus on areas in Basilan, Zamboanga, and Maguindanao in the Philippines. The program aims to reduce drivers of violent conflict and increase community resilience in these areas and create an enabling environment for social cohesion and development. The overall goal of the project is to reduce drivers of violent conflict, increase community resilience and create an enabling environment for social cohesion and development. Specific program objectives and activities include the following:

1. Build the capacity of local community NGOs, LGUs and key stakeholders to identify and effectively address violent conflict and build community resilience through evidence-based analyses.
2. Address specific peace and community resilience needs in vulnerable local population segments through small grants to LGUs and local NGO.
3. Increase coordination among LGUs, local community NGOs, researchers, and key stakeholders to improve their ability to address violent conflict and strengthen community resilience sustainably through collaborative, self-financed initiatives and programming.

COVID-19 Response Component

Background

COVID- 19 has adversely affected the overall well-being of individuals and communities. As a result, aside from hospitalizations and other apparent physical effects of COVID-19, mental health issues have become the other issue that requires immediate response from national and local governments. As COVID-19 cases increased, a spike in mental health cases and issues have been reported.

During the first quarter of 2021, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) helped 3,006 individuals who called its hotlines, and there were 867 suicide-related calls during the same period. This has almost doubled compared to the same period in 2020.[1] Mental health problems have also claimed many lives during the pandemic. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in 2020, at least 4,420 people in the country died due to intentional self-harm. This was 57 percent higher than that in 2019, with 2,810 suicide-related deaths.[2] In order to have a comprehensive response to COVID-19, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) were identified as one of the immediate priorities by the national government through the Department of Health (DOH), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health sector organizations.

Moreover, against the backdrop of rising mental health issues and cases, select areas in Mindanao are simultaneously confronted by security-related issues such as armed conflict, which results in harm and displacement of individuals. Studies suggest that mental health conditions and issues are observed among displaced individuals. Similarly, Arthur and Monnier (2021) expand in an article on the role of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in sustaining peace. The article explores how psychosocial factors at individual, family and community level can influence an individual’s propensity for violence and the mitigating effect of cognitive behavioral approaches. [3]

In addition, local government units (LGUs) are seen to effective actors in furthering MPHSS alongside addressing local violent conflict. LGUs have the wherewithal and role in mobilizing local experts, providing further training and education for health workers, developing referral systems, providing logistics and creating adequate hospital facilities.

Objective

In this regard, CONVERGE intends to 1) support partner LGUs and CSOs in their mental health activities in relation to COVID-19 and armed conflict, and 2) develop mental health response strategies or efforts that may be used by partner LGUs.

Target Beneficiaries

Key staff of LGUs and CSOs assigned in handling mental health activities[4], disaster risk management, health services or other related activities or programs will be the target participants. Preferably, two (2) representatives from LGUs and CSOs will participate in the activities.

List of Activities

1. Identify the presence of mental health professionals in the LGUs and CSOs as defined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11036, and validate the target beneficiaries’ availability to take part in any training and learning sessions.
2. Understand and assess the needs of LGUs and CSOs in integrating and conducting mental health programs and activities in response to COVID-19 and armed conflict
3. Conduct relevant training and learning sessions following the guidelines set by the PCMH as followed by the DOH on capacity-building, reorientation and training, to LGUs and CSOs based on the needs identified. Trainings may be done through different modules in different issue areas on mental health.
4. Support LGUs in developing their respective mental health response strategy and efforts. Participants may be asked to consolidate their accomplished module worksheets and develop an LGU mental health response strategy or program.

Budget

This call for proposal is open to all interested parties and individuals whose areas of expertise or research fall under mental health and psychosocial support. Experience working with conflict-affected communities is an advantage. Proponents should include a proposed budget to undertake the activity.

Bidder’s Proposal Template

1. Technical Proposal – describe your understanding of the task, technical aspect of the proposal, and proposed methodology (sampling design, data collection methods, data processing & analysis, training design formulation, monitoring and evaluation strategy, and timelines or operational plan)
2. Budget Proposal – detailed budget items to include estimated number of days per task, number of personnel expected to be involved per task, and other logistical requirements for the proposed activity
3. Organization Profile and Background – include background of the organization and previous engagements and curriculum vitae of key personnel that will work on the activity

[1] Cathrine Gonzales, Mental health, suicide hotline calls up in 1Q 2021 — DOH, Manila Bulleting, March 22, 2021, https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1409812/mental-health-suicide-hotline-calls-up-in-1q-2021-doh (Accessed March 18, 2022.

[2] Cristina Eloisa Baclig, Mental health in a time of pandemic: The invisible suffering, Manila Bulletin, January 24, 2022, https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1544354/mental-health-in-a-time-of-pandemic-the-invisible-suffering (Accessed March 18, 2022).

[3] Arthur, P. & Monnier, C. (2021). Mental health and psychosocial support to sustain peace: 4 areas to explore for improving practice. Retrieved from: https://cic.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/cicmhpss_support_to_sustain_peace_april_2021.pdf

[4] Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11036, otherwise known as the Mental Health Act, defines mental health professionals as a medical doctor, psychologist, nurse social worker, guidance counselor or any other appropriately trained and qualified person with specific skills relevant to the provision of mental health services.