Before the corona crisis, almost 1 in 3 Flemings indicated that they were not feeling well, meanwhile the pandemic has caused the mental well-being of even more people to be under pressure. But how do you help a friend who is scared and can't see a way out anymore?
To learn how to offer exactly that help, Red Cross-Flanders is launching the free app 'Houvast' for first aid in mental health problems. An accessible way to give you the necessary self-confidence to help someone in your environment and not to lose sight of yourself.
The app 'Houvast' gives you action-oriented tips to help others who are struggling psychologically. In addition, the app also gives you tips on how to deal with shocking events yourself, including this corona crisis. With this app, we want to empower people to dare to help others in their environment (family, friends, colleagues...) and to engage in conversation with them. The app 'Houvast' is aimed at everyone over 16 years old. It is, now more than ever, necessary that we are there for each other. This app shows how we can do that.
The app 'Houvast' forms the third part of the First Aid for Mental Health Problems package. Last year, the Red Cross already launched the handbook 'Listen! First aid for mental health problems' and the training 'First aid for mental health problems'. This app builds on the evidence-based book 'Listen!' and the associated training that has been compiled with a strong group of partners in mental healthcare.
The purpose of this first aid is that you learn to recognize signals when someone is struggling psychologically, discover concrete tips on how you can help yourself and how you can guide someone to further help. Of course, it is important that you also take care of yourself in the meantime. That is why they offer tips and tools such as a self-care plan, a diary, me-time... to strengthen your own well-being.
Time to discover the 'Houvast' app and call on friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. Share the app.
More info can be found at www.rodekruis.be/ehbp.
