Apply for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme in Colombia

UNICEF is requesting grant applications to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS / SMAPS) services for children, adolescents, and vulnerable communities in the Chocó department of Colombia. The programme has an indicative budget of 80,000 and focuses on training, crisis response, health system strengthening, prevention, and community resilience.

The initiative targets three municipalities in Chocó, where conflict, displacement, poverty, and weak access to services have created urgent mental health needs.

What Is the UNICEF Colombia Mental Health Grant?

This UNICEF funding opportunity supports organisations that can improve mental health systems and psychosocial services in crisis-affected areas of Colombia.

The programme aims to help children, adolescents, families, schools, and communities access timely and sustainable support.

Geographic Focus

Implemented in:

Colombia

Specifically in:

Chocó Department

Targeting three municipalities within Chocó.

Budget Overview

Indicative Budget

• 80,000

(Official currency and final grant terms should be confirmed in the UNICEF call documentation.)

Why This Programme Is Needed

Communities in Chocó face overlapping humanitarian pressures, including:

• Armed conflict
• Forced displacement
• Gender-based violence
• Disease outbreaks
• Migration pressures
• Malnutrition
• Climate impacts
• Poverty
• Limited healthcare access

These conditions increase anxiety, trauma, depression, distress, and protection risks—especially for children and adolescents.

Main Objectives

The programme seeks to:

• Strengthen local mental health services
• Improve psychosocial support access
• Build community resilience
• Train facilitators and frontline workers
• Respond to crises in schools and communities
• Increase awareness of mental health needs
• Improve coordination among institutions
• Ensure long-term sustainability

Key Focus Areas

1. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (SMAPS)

Community and child-centred emotional support systems.

Examples

• Safe spaces
• Group support sessions
• Trauma-informed services
• Emotional wellbeing activities

2. Health System Strengthening

Improving local service delivery through:

• Referral pathways
• Institutional coordination
• Service protocols
• Capacity building

3. Training and Capacity Development

Training facilitators, educators, and community actors in UNICEF methodologies.

4. Prevention and Promotion

Activities that reduce stigma and encourage early support.

Examples

• Awareness campaigns
• Mental wellness education
• Parent engagement
• Youth resilience programmes

5. Crisis Response

Rapid support for mental health emergencies in:

• Schools
• Communities
• Crisis-affected households

6. Communication and Advocacy

Working with local media to raise awareness and strengthen public understanding.

Expected Results

The initiative expects outcomes such as:

• Trained facilitators and community workers
• Replication of UNICEF SMAPS methodologies
• Improved child and youth support systems
• Stronger municipal coordination
• Crisis response capacity in schools
• Community prevention activities
• Increased public awareness

Who May Apply?

Likely suitable applicants may include:

• NGOs
• Child protection organisations
• Mental health service providers
• Community-based organisations
• Public health institutions
• Psychosocial support agencies
• Local partnerships with implementation experience

(Exact eligibility depends on official UNICEF documentation.)

Why This Funding Matters

Mental health needs in humanitarian settings are often underfunded.

This programme helps communities:

• Protect children from long-term trauma
• Strengthen schools and families
• Improve crisis recovery
• Reduce stigma
• Build local service systems
• Create sustainable support networks

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Official UNICEF Grant Notice

Confirm eligibility, municipalities, deadlines, and required forms.

Step 2: Demonstrate Relevant Experience

Show expertise in:

• Mental health
• Child protection
• Community mobilisation
• Humanitarian response

Step 3: Build a Practical Model

Include:

• Training plan
• Service delivery strategy
• Referral systems
• Monitoring indicators
• Safeguarding measures

Step 4: Include Sustainability

Show how local actors will continue services after grant completion.

Step 5: Submit Full Proposal

Include technical narrative, budget, staffing, and timeline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Proposal Errors

• Clinical model with no community access
• No child safeguarding approach
• Weak local partnerships
• No sustainability plan
• Generic awareness campaigns only

Operational Errors

• Unrealistic staffing model
• No crisis referral pathway
• Limited language/cultural adaptation

Tips for a Strong Application

• Use trauma-informed methods
• Include schools and families
• Build municipal ownership
• Train local facilitators
• Include measurable psychosocial outcomes
• Coordinate with health and protection actors

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who runs this programme?

UNICEF

2. Where is it located?

In Colombia, specifically Chocó Department.

3. Who benefits?

Children, adolescents, and vulnerable communities.

4. What is SMAPS?

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support services.

5. What is the budget?

Indicative budget: 80,000.

6. Are schools included?

Yes, crisis response and support in schools are key components.

7. Is training part of the programme?

Yes, facilitator and community actor training is central.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Colombia Mental Health Grant 2026 is an important opportunity to strengthen child and community wellbeing in one of Colombia’s most vulnerable regions. By combining psychosocial support, training, prevention, and systems strengthening, the programme can create lasting local impact.

Strong applicants should demonstrate humanitarian experience, child-centred methods, and sustainable community-based delivery.