Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
UNICEF has launched a Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) to strengthen Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) systems in schools across Maharashtra, India. The initiative aims to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments by integrating school-based mental health support, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), teacher training, referral systems, and stakeholder coordination.
The programme will strengthen mental health support at the state level and demonstrate an integrated MHPSS model in Nashik district, creating a scalable approach for improving adolescent well-being across Maharashtra.
Overview of the UNICEF MHPSS School Strengthening Programme
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has introduced a Call for Expression of Interest focused on strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) systems within schools in Maharashtra, India.
The programme aims to improve adolescent mental health by embedding psychosocial support into the school education system. It focuses on developing supportive school environments where children and young people can learn, participate, and develop emotional resilience.
The initiative will focus on:
- School-based mental health and psychosocial support
- Adolescent well-being improvement
- Teacher and stakeholder capacity-building
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Student participation and peer support
- Parent engagement
- Education and health sector coordination
What is Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)?
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) refers to services, programmes, and systems designed to protect and improve emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
In school settings, MHPSS includes:
- Creating safe and supportive learning spaces
- Helping students manage stress and emotions
- Identifying mental health concerns early
- Providing appropriate support and referrals
- Building positive relationships among students, teachers, and families
A strong school-based MHPSS system helps adolescents develop coping skills, resilience, confidence, and healthy social connections.
Why Adolescent Mental Health Support Matters
Adolescence is an important stage of growth and development. Young people experience major emotional, social, and academic changes during this period.
Growing mental health concerns among children and adolescents highlight the need for accessible support systems within schools.
School-based mental health programmes are important because schools:
- Reach large numbers of children and adolescents
- Provide consistent support environments
- Connect students with families and communities
- Enable early identification of challenges
- Reduce barriers and stigma around seeking help
Why Maharashtra Is a Focus Area
Maharashtra has a significant adolescent population, making child and youth mental well-being an important priority.
The programme aims to help Maharashtra:
- Strengthen existing child and adolescent mental health systems
- Improve coordination between education and health departments
- Create standardized approaches for school mental health
- Develop models that can be expanded across the state
Key Objectives of the UNICEF Programme
The initiative aims to:
- Integrate MHPSS into the school education framework
- Develop guidelines and protocols for school-based mental health support
- Establish effective referral mechanisms
- Strengthen coordination between education and health systems
- Improve teacher and official capacity
- Promote Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Encourage student participation and peer support
- Increase parent and community involvement
Programme Implementation Approach
The programme will work across three major levels:
State-Level System Strengthening
At the state level, the initiative will focus on creating stronger systems and policies for school mental health.
Key activities include:
- Mapping existing mental health programmes and services
- Reviewing available education and health resources
- Conducting consultations with key departments
- Developing MHPSS guidelines and protocols
- Strengthening referral networks
- Creating multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms
This approach will support long-term integration of mental health services into Maharashtra’s education system.
District-Level Demonstration Model in Nashik
The programme will demonstrate an integrated MHPSS model in Nashik district.
The district-level activities will include:
- Conducting mental health and psychosocial needs assessments
- Training teachers and school staff
- Supporting district officials and resource groups
- Conducting awareness activities
- Improving referral pathways
- Strengthening school support systems
The Nashik model will generate evidence, learning, and tools for future expansion across Maharashtra.
School-Level MHPSS Implementation
At the school level, the programme will promote safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
Key focus areas include:
Student Engagement
Schools will promote:
- Student participation
- Peer support systems
- Emotional well-being activities
- Life skills development
Teacher Capacity Building
Teachers will be supported through:
- Training on adolescent mental health
- Awareness of early warning signs
- Classroom-based psychosocial practices
- Guidance on referral processes
Parent Involvement
Parents will be engaged through:
- Mental health awareness activities
- Communication support
- Guidance on adolescent needs
Role of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students develop essential skills for emotional and social well-being.
The programme will promote:
- Self-awareness
- Emotional regulation
- Empathy
- Problem-solving skills
- Positive communication
- Healthy relationships
- Decision-making abilities
SEL contributes to better learning outcomes and stronger resilience among adolescents.
Who Is Eligible for the UNICEF Call for Expression of Interest?
The opportunity is likely intended for organizations with experience in child development, education, and mental health programmes.
Eligible organizations may include:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Academic institutions
- Research organizations
- Child-focused development agencies
- Organizations experienced in education and mental health systems
Applicants should have expertise in:
- School-based programmes
- Adolescent development
- Teacher training
- Community engagement
- Government collaboration
- Mental health interventions
How the Programme Will Work
The implementation process will involve the following steps:
Step 1: Situational Analysis
The programme will assess:
- Existing mental health initiatives
- Current gaps in school support systems
- Available referral services
- Stakeholder capacity
- Existing education and health linkages
Step 2: Development of Guidelines and Tools
The initiative will support creation of:
- School MHPSS guidelines
- Training resources
- Referral protocols
- Implementation frameworks
- Monitoring tools
Step 3: Capacity Building
Training and support will be provided to:
- Teachers
- School leaders
- District officials
- State resource groups
- Community stakeholders
Step 4: Demonstration and Documentation
The Nashik pilot will document implementation through:
- Case studies
- Learning materials
- Toolkits
- Programme evidence
Step 5: Expansion Planning
The lessons from the pilot will support future scale-up across Maharashtra.
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to achieve:
Stronger School Mental Health Systems
- Institutionalized MHPSS guidelines
- Improved referral mechanisms
- Better coordination between departments
Improved Adolescent Well-Being
- Better emotional skills
- Increased resilience
- Improved student engagement
- Reduced risk of dropout and disengagement
Stronger Education Capacity
- Trained teachers and officials
- Improved school support structures
- Sustainable mental health integration
Previous Work Supporting the Initiative
The programme builds on earlier adolescent well-being efforts in Maharashtra, including district-level consultations and the adaptation of the Helping Adolescent Thrive (HAT) module.
The HAT module was adapted for Maharashtra by SIMHA and TISS with contextual considerations including:
Common Challenges and Implementation Tips
Common Challenges
- Limited awareness about adolescent mental health
- Lack of trained school personnel
- Weak referral linkages
- Mental health stigma
- Uneven implementation across schools
Recommended Practices
Successful implementation should focus on:
- Involving students and teachers early
- Using culturally appropriate approaches
- Building government ownership
- Strengthening referral systems
- Monitoring outcomes regularly
- Ensuring student safety and confidentiality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of UNICEF’s MHPSS programme in Maharashtra?
The programme aims to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into schools to improve adolescent well-being, learning outcomes, and resilience.
What does MHPSS mean in schools?
MHPSS refers to systems and activities that support students’ emotional, psychological, and social well-being through prevention, support, and referral services.
Which district will demonstrate the programme model?
Nashik district will serve as the demonstration area for implementing and documenting the integrated MHPSS approach.
How will teachers contribute to the programme?
Teachers will receive training to support student well-being, identify concerns early, promote SEL, and connect students with support services.
How will students benefit from the initiative?
Students will gain access to supportive environments, peer networks, emotional learning opportunities, and better mental health resources.
Can this programme expand beyond Nashik?
Yes. The Nashik demonstration will create tools, evidence, and approaches that can support expansion across Maharashtra.
Why are school-based mental health programmes important?
Schools provide an effective platform to reach adolescents early, reduce stigma, and create healthier learning environments.
Conclusion
The UNICEF MHPSS initiative in Maharashtra represents a major effort to strengthen adolescent mental health support within the education system. By improving policies, training teachers, strengthening referrals, and encouraging student participation, the programme aims to create healthier and more resilient school communities.
The combination of state-level system strengthening and the Nashik district demonstration model provides a foundation for building a scalable and sustainable school-based mental health framework across Maharashtra.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
