Chevening alumni bridge mental health gaps in Somaliland

In Hargeisa, Somaliland, conflict and displacement have deeply affected communities, yet access to mental health support has remained limited. A Chevening Alumni Project Fund (CAPF) initiative , is helping change that by addressing the psychological and emotional needs among crisis-affected and displaced individuals.  

The project, ‘Empower Minds: MHPPS for Crisis Affected People’, recognises the increased prevalence of mental health conditions in people affected by humanitarian crises.  Through research, community outreach, capacity building and advocacy, the initiative seeks to facilitate early treatment and consultations and integrate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) into Somaliland’s national emergency preparedness framework.  

Somaliland’s first comprehensive mental health study 

The programme began with outreach activities and an in-depth study in Qalax Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, marking a significant milestone as the first comprehensive mental health study conducted in Somaliland. Over 600 individuals were reached through structured assessments, helping identify common mental health challenges and offering on-site psychosocial counselling.  

To build local capacity, ten volunteers received training in basic psychosocial counselling and data collection, equipping them with the skills to continue supporting communities, laying the foundation for ongoing capacity-building, sustainability and locally driven support systems.  

In February 2025, a two-day high-level stakeholder conference brought together over 70 participants from government, NGOs, academia and international partners.  

At the conference, Chevening alumni: 

• presented their study’s findings,  

• led discussions on integrating MHPSS into national emergency response plans 
• established a Technical Working Group to guide MHPSS policy integration 

What was achieved?   

Stakeholders reached consensus on the importance of expanding mental health services and committed to implementing study recommendations, which included strengthening research, coordination and policy frameworks.  

The initiative has set a precedent for mental health research and service delivery in Somaliland.  

By training local volunteers and establishing a technical working group, it has laid the foundation for ongoing capacity building and sustainability.  

The project has also elevated the profile of Chevening alumni as influential leaders in humanitarian health showcasing how the global network can drive positive action across the world.   

The Public Health Emergency and Research Centre (PHERC) will keep a close contact with the crisis affected people who participated in this programme and will continue ensuring they access the necessary mental health services and psycho-social support.