As Nigeria continues to grapple with the mental health consequences of conflict, displacement and other humanitarian crises, building the capacity of community-based responders remains an important part of expanding access to psychosocial support.

The Nigeria IDP Diaspora Support Group (NIDSG) has opened applications for its 8th Lay Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Trauma Counsellor Training, scheduled to take place in Abuja in October 2026. The training is designed to equip individuals working directly with vulnerable communities with practical skills to provide basic psychosocial support and trauma-informed care.

Participants may apply for one of two training streams:

• Adult Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Lay Trauma Counsellor Training
• Child Art Therapy Lay Trauma Counsellor Training

According to NIDSG, priority will be given to applicants who are already supporting individuals and communities affected by trauma, particularly those working in areas affected by insecurity. Eligible applicants include community-based organisations, religious institutions, local NGOs, internally displaced persons (IDP) community leaders, community health workers, nurses, doctors, psychologists and other frontline responders. The organisation is also encouraging applications from women supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, while the child-focused course is intended for professionals currently working with children experiencing the effects of trauma.

Applicants should note that:

• Applications close on 31 August 2026.
• Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis after meeting the eligibility criteria.
• Preference will be given to applicants who can fund their travel and accommodation in Abuja.
• Previous participants of NIDSG training programmes are not eligible to apply.

The training forms part of NIDSG’s broader medical mission to Nigeria, which will also include maternal and child health interventions in partnership with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

As Nigeria works to strengthen mental health services, particularly in communities affected by conflict and displacement, initiatives that build the skills of frontline responders can help expand access to basic psychosocial support where specialist services remain limited.

How to apply

Interested applicants can complete the application before using the application link –  NIDSG 2025 MHPSS Lay Counselling delegate application

Further enquiries can be directed to nidsgukcharity@gmail.com.