What is known and done already on MHPSS in (COVID-) crisis response and in efforts to build and sustain peace?

Covid-19 has presented a range of psychological and social challenges. The UN has outlined a range of impacts and the potential for a major mental health crisis as a result of the Covid-19 crisis in a recent comprehensive policy brief. There is also a growing range of studies that demonstrate the social and psychological impact of Covid-19, as well as the development of resources for offering psychosocial support in the Covid-19 context. In this paper, however, I make the point that we have experience of dealing with crises that have both individual and social consequences, albeit in different contexts, mainly those of political violence. The lessons from the psychosocial approach to addressing needs in conflict-related areas are discussed.