"Advocacy does not work... Until it does"

"In situations where coordination challenges arise and information is lacking, effective communication, diplomacy, and advocacy become essential. These skills are at the core of our work. During one of my deployments, we created an advocacy plan to address the challenges we faced. But, for a while, it felt like it was going nowhere. I attended countless meetings, gave presentations, spoke to an endless number of stakeholders, and repeated the messages again and again. Nothing seemed to change. At one point, I thought advocacy does not work; it is just endless talking and a waste of time. But here is the thing about advocacy: It does not work until it does.

In my last deployment month, I suddenly began to see results. The health sector funded an MHPSS multisectoral workshop, bringing together 60 participants from various sectors, including ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, and INGOs. It was incredible to see so many actors working together to unify their approaches. Now, I understand that advocacy is a process of persistence and patience. It is about planting seeds and creating opportunities for change. Once it pays off, the impact is transformative."

The importance of supporting Technical Working Groups

"The MHPSS Surge Mechanism plays an essential role in supporting the MHPSS Technical Working Group (TWG) at the country level. Before my deployment, I was somewhat unsure about how much we could contribute in a short time. But once I was deployed, I saw the tangible impact we could make. Bringing a fresh perspective to established systems and seeing this translate into better service for the community was incredibly rewarding. Our role is to build capacity and empower local expertise to strengthen the coordination, technical support and advocacy of TWGs."

'Nerd nights'

"Deployment begins well before you arrive in the country and continues long after you leave. Taking the time to prepare, equipping yourself with effective coping strategies, and reflecting on the experience afterwards are all essential parts of the process. I cannot deny that every deployment leaves its mark. It pushes us to reflect on some of life's profound questions. Being deployed is an intense experience with endless ups and downs. Staying grounded is crucial. When I first started, I did not prioritise self-care. I quickly realised that this was not sustainable. I had to remind myself to slow down, take breaks, and find ways to recharge. Practising yoga after work became a ritual, not just for me but for others, too, as colleagues started to join in. We also organised 'nerd nights' where anyone could share their expertise or teach something new, from cooking to meditation to social topics. These moments of connection and creativity became a lifeline. They helped us all stay balanced and resilient."

"You are doing things that make you uncomfortable. But you do them anyway."

"Before my first deployment, I worried about so many things. Now, I cannot wait for my next one. Deployments can be challenging at times. Yet, what keeps me motivated is the impact we make and the incredible learning experience that comes with each mission. I have learnt from everyone and everything. From global experts and national specialists to, most importantly, the affected communities. 

Deployments have helped me grow personally and professionally in ways I never expected. The resilience and dedication of communities inspire me still. I saw the rise of community-led organisations and women leaders doing amazing work despite having limited resources. Their commitment to improving the quality of the MHPSS response reinforces the true essence of humanitarian work. Sometimes, the things you do make you uncomfortable, but you do them anyway because the difference it makes is worth it."

Support from RVO and the MHPSS global team

"Many times, I found myself thinking, I wish the RVO team could witness the scale of the impact their programme is making. It is the small, powerful moments that, when combined, create a profound ripple effect. RVO's contributions are shaping the MHPSS field on a global scale and making a meaningful difference. It inspires me to be a part of it.
I feel genuinely supported by RVO and sincerely appreciate the work RVO does. It feels as if they are right here with me so I can do my work. RVO provides global support, ensuring I never feel alone. The MHPSS Surge Mechanism is a support system not only for the displaced but also for the experts in this field."

More information

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) experts are deployed to assist in relief efforts during or after a humanitarian crisis. MHPSS provides mental health and psychosocial support in armed conflict, refugee crises and natural disasters.

• Sign up as a Dutch MHPSS expert
• Sign up as a non-Dutch MHPSS expert
• Are you looking for MHPSS experts? Email mhpss@rvo.nl.