Resources

Here you can find useful resources from our Volunteering and International Psychiatry SIG.

RCPsych Volunteer Scheme

The College’s volunteer scheme aims to facilitate contact between hospitals, clinics, projects and communities in need of psychiatric expertise and training, and psychiatrists who are willing to offer their time and support. Learn more about the volunteer scheme.

To register with the RCPsych volunteer scheme, you will need to complete and return the volunteers registration form. Download the  volunteers registration form (DOC).

RCPsych International Strategy

• College International Strategy 2020 - 2023

Global volunteering opportunities

• Global opportunities for VIPSIG members (2018)
  

World Health Organisation Resources

• Service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening in low- and middle- income countries: systematic review
• WHO Mental health Gap Action Programme Intervention Guide: a systematic review of evidence from low and middle-income countries
• The Impact of COVID-19 on mental, neurological and substance use services: results of a rapid assessment
• World Health Organization Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP)
• WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide Version 2.0
• WHO Psychological First Aid: guide for field workers - 2011
• World Health Organization Guidelines for Management of Acute Stress, PTSD, and Bereavement: Key Challenges on the Road Ahead

mhGAP

• mhGAP IG Training Videos
• Report: mhGAP Orientation Workshop Report

Reports and blogs

• Engaging in Global Health : The Framework for Volunteering Engagement in Global Health by the UK Health Sector
• Dr Jane Mounty recounts her experiences volunteering in Myanmar in 2017
• Clinical Tutor in Global Mental Health – Zimbabwe
• New blog: Guatemala mhGAP training
• Report: Report: World Mental Health Day - Dignity in Mental Health
• Review: Culture, Context and the Mental Health and Psychosocial Wellbeing of Syrians: a review for mental health and psychosocial support staff working with Syrians affected by the armed conflict.
• Report: Improving Health at Home and Abroad: How overseas volunteering from the NHS benefits the UK and the world
• Schizophrenia Outreach in Larkano (SOUL) report - Joint project of Sindh Doctors Association (SDA) UK and Psychiatry Department, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU).

Teaching material

• Webinar recording: Role of Psychiatrists in Humanitarian Settings
• RCPsych Volunteering and International Disasters
• MindEd: e-learning to support young, healthy minds
• RCPsych PTC Bursaries - available to medical students planning a psychiatry elective

Other information

• Health Education England Guidance for trainees planning to volunteer or work overseas
• Mental Health Innovation Network Newsletter - August 2020
• MHAF Project
• Lancet paper - The management of adult psychiatric emergencies in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review
• Mental Health Innovation Network Newsletter
• Malawi Quick Guide to Mental Health
• Psychological First Aid in Kashmir- 2019
• World Psychiatry Journal- October 2019
• Royal College of Nursing International page and Working Internationally: A Guide to humanitarian and development work for nurses and midwives.
• Intervention: the International Journal of Mental Health, Psychosocial Work and Counselling in Areas of Armed Conflict
  Intervention is a peer-reviewed journal that provides a forum for international exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field of mental health and psychosocial support in (post) conflict settings. It also provides a free online archive of articles older than 12 months.
• Webinar: Perinatal Mental Health
  A free webinar organised by British Bangladeshi Psychiatrist Association (BBPA) on Perinatal Mental Health service development, featuring RCPsych Registrar Dr Trudi Seneviratne.
• Webinar: Designing and managing safe seclusion facilities: Reducing harm and promoting least restrictive practices
  This webinar was delivered by the British Bangladeshi Psychiatrist Association (BBPA) on 25 June 2023. It also promoted collaboration with a wider network to address the health needs of mental health patients in a sustainable manner. VIPSIG Chair Dr Anis Ahmed was a panellist.
• Webinar: British Bangladeshi Psychiatrists Association - annual conference 2023