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policies/strategies and practical real-world implementation. Nobody has all the answers. Knowledge of what constitute safe, effective digital tools is being generated through actual practice and user experience. The right solutions will emerge through a shared learning journey that interconnects global knowledge and local implementation and that involves mental health practitioners, users with lived experience, tech developers, researchers, ethicists, the public and private sectors as well as UN organizations including WHO and ITU, intergovernmental bodies such as the EU, and international experts such as e-MHIC, user and civil society networks. UNICEF can be a key partner in this journey, ensuring that the rights and wellbeing of children and young people are respected – and ensuring that they have an opportunity to participate and be an integral part of these important system-changing processes affecting their lives.
mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) care for young people, uSupport is positioned as part of the larger MHPSS ecosystem in countries, serving as a system reform framework and contributing towards universal access to quality prevention, care and support for all. uSupport is an on-demand digital mental health platform which builds bridges between existing MH resources and connects them to adolescents (target group aged 16-24) in need of help by digitizing service delivery (through text, audio, video consultation options). Along with youth, uSupport is also targeted at parents, caregivers, and families, as well as professionals in the health, education, and social protection fields, providing them with valuable MHPSS resources. The underlying technology behind the platform is leading-edge, open source and cloud based. Currently, uSupport is in the process of testing and rolling it out in several countries in Europe and Central Asia, including Poland, Kazakhstan, Romania, Armenia and several others. The roll-out process has been a valuable source of lessons on implementing systems-strengthening innovations. Change requirements It is impossible to describe in a short article the complex process of supporting the adoption of safe and effective digital MH solutions by governments. However, one thing is clear: normative guidelines alone will not lead to effective change. Change requires very practical hands-on support and a process of iterative learning – connecting
Nobody has all the answers. Knowledge of what constitute safe, effective digital tools is being generated through actual practice and user experience.
If you are interested in learning more or exploring collaboration around uSupport, please contact:
Aida Ailarova Adolescent Development Specialist, UNICEF
aailarova@unicef.org
Nina Ferencic Coordinator, Expert Network on e-MH
nferencic@outlook.com
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