Effective January 1, 2025, the current IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support will evolve into the RCRC Movement MHPSS Hub. This transformation builds on the Reference Centre’s 30 years of experience, the expertise of the ICRC, and the contributions of National Societies working on MHPSS.
In 2025, the IFRC PS Centre will transition into the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement MHPSS Hub. This transformation is based on a tripartite Partnership Agreement signed in February 2024 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Danish Red Cross (DRC). The agreement outlines the framework for the establishment, operation, and management of the Hub.
At the 2019 International Conference, a Resolution and MHPSS Policy were adopted to guide the Movement’s response to mental health and psychosocial needs. The Policy sets standards for addressing these needs, while the Resolution commits the Movement and States to work together to close critical gaps in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Since 2020, a roadmap process has been overseeing the implementation of this Resolution and Policy, which will conclude by the end of 2024.
The creation of the RCRC Movement MHPSS Hub reflects the growing recognition of MHPSS as an integral part of the Movement’s work. It is rooted in the existing MHPSS Policy and established agreements, aiming to harness synergies and better support the Movement in fulfilling its commitments to mental health and psychosocial support.
The Hub, hosted by the Danish Red Cross, will continue to build on over three decades of expertise from the IFRC PS Centre, National Societies, and the ICRC. It will leverage extensive research, tools, and operational experience in MHPSS while driving new and innovative solutions. A Steering Committee, responsible for major strategic decisions, will be established by the end of 2024. This committee will be advised by an Advisory Group, which will be formed in 2025.
The transformation process in 2024 & 2025
An interim Steering Committee, supported by an interim Task Force, is overseeing the 2024 transformation process. This interim structure is responsible for finalizing the Steering Committee for the Movement MHPSS Hub and the Terms of Reference for the Movement MHPSS Hub. Additionally, it is tasked with planning and executing external activities and managing relationships to support the process and the launch.
The transformation will be a gradual process, with changes in the support delivered by the Hub becoming more noticeable after the finalization of the first strategy, which will serve as a key milestone and foundation for implementing changes. This strategy period is expected to begin after the inaugural Steering Committee meeting in 2025, as the SC needs to approve the process.
Until the strategy is approved, National Societies will continue consulting the same technical advisors they worked with prior to January 1, 2025. Further updates on changes in support will follow the strategy’s approval.
Visual identity and communications
The RCRC Movement MHPSS Hub will introduce a new logo and based on that a new visual identity across all platforms, outlets, publications, stationary etc. The website will be redesigned and updated accordingly under a new domain name with automatic referral from the old one. Further, the social media platforms will be renewed and revised based on survey responses from the current audience. In the interim phase the old PS Centre platforms will direct visitors to the new Movement Hub platforms.
Stay connected with psychosocial support and the latest news and events
The Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement MHPSS Hub (MHPSS Hub) is dedicated to advancing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) throughout the RCRC Movement. Hosted by the Danish Red Cross, the Hub collaborates with National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as well as international humanitarian organizations and academic institutions. By uniting expertise from across the Movement and beyond, we help build stronger, more resilient communities better equipped to cope with crises and recover from adversity.