Table 1 The six-month cycle of MHPSS activities

Month I

Training I of accompaniers on basic communication skills when approaching relatives of missing persons and how to assess multi-faceted needs and make referrals to local service providers

Collection of household surveys and MHPSS pre-assessments

Month II

Training II of accompaniers on conducting peer-support groups on various themes related to the psychological and psychosocial consequences of having a missing relative

Month III-V

Individual home visits and referrals are carried out as needed

Eight peer-support group sessions are conducted on the following themes:

1) Introduction and Socialization

2) Our Role in the Family

3) Living with Ambiguity

4) Remembering the Missing

5) Tribute to the Missing (within the group)

6) Commemoration Event (involving the local community)

7) Our Supportive Network

8) Closing

Month VI

Post-psychological assessments are carried out