Living environments affect physical and mental health

The first learning event in 2020 was prompted by the realisation that humanitarian Shelter experts routinely prioritise structural safety when aiming to Build Back Better after disasters and crises; we needed to know more about the impacts of inadequate housing on health. We discussed how unhealthy homes have a disproportionate impact on women and children in many settings and the importance of dignified access to secure toilets and washing facilities for both physical and mental health. See more about Towards Healthier Homes in Humanitarian Settings, the report of the 2020 learning event, below.  We collectively recognised that we needed to understand the mental health aspects of humanitarian sheltering better, so we invited mental health experts to the 2021 event. One of the recommendations in the 2021 report, Mindful Sheltering, was that we should forge greater connections between MHPSS and Shelter. 

In September 2022 we hosted the third event in the series to explore the possibilities of integrated programming, from the perspectives of Shelter and Settlements, Water Sanitation and Hygiene – WASH, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) specialists. We came together to reflect and discuss WORKING TOGETHER more effectively, with the shared objective of improving living conditions in humanitarian settings and thereby supporting the health and well-being of affected populations.

Over 160 people joined the meeting and we had a fantastic exchange of ideas and expertise. 

We have now created a report of this learning event: Working Together.