Winning Practices in Psychosocial Support

Individual psychosocial support refers to personalized guidance provided to a caregiver with the aim of promoting their emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It includes active listening, support in coping with challenges related to their caregiving role, help in achieving personal, family, or social goals, as well as referrals to appropriate resources.

A psychosocial support group is a structured space facilitated by a social service practionner. It aims to provide participants with a safe environment to express their emotions, share their experiences, and learn strategies to better manage the challenges related to their caregiving situation.

A peer support group is a welcoming space generally self-managed by its members. It may be organized within an organization or established independently. The group’s purpose is based on the needs and concerns of its participants.

An informal exchange activity is a gathering where participants can freely share their experiences and emotions in a welcoming setting (e.g., a coffee chat). Usually facilitated by a social service practitioner, it encourages active listening, mutual support, and a sense of belonging within the group, without following a structured meeting plan or focusing on a specific topic.

A helpline is primarily accessible by phone, providing caregivers with a safe space to express their emotions, ask questions, and receive referrals tailored to their situation. Some organizations also extend this service through chat, text messaging, or email to better meet the needs of different populations.