B. How to Help Responsibly Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Helping responsibly involves four main points: 1. Respect safety, dignity, and rights 2. Adapt what you do to take account of the person’s culture 3. Be aware of other emergency response measures 4. Look after yourself Respect Safety, Dignity, and Rights When you take on the responsibility to help in situations where people have been affected by a distressing event, it is important to act in ways that respect the safety, dignity, and rights of the people you are helping. The following principles apply to any person or agency involved in humanitarian response, including those who provide PFA: Respect People’s: Safety • Avoid putting people at further risk of harm as a result of your action. • To the best of your ability, make sure the adults and children you help are safe and protected from physical and psychological harm. Dignity • Treat people with respect and take into account their cultural and social norms. Rights • Make sure people can access help fairly and without discrimination. • Help people to claim their rights and access available support. • Act only in the best interest of any person you encounter. Do’s • Be honest and trustworthy. • Respect people’s right to make their own decisions. • Be aware of and set aside your own biases and prejudices. • Make it clear to people that even if they refuse help now, they can still access help in the future. • Respect privacy and keep the person’s story confidential, especially if appropriate to event. • Behave appropriately by considering the person’s culture, age, and gender. 7