Journey to Healing: Maintain the essential elements

Key considerations for implementation

Successfully implementing the J2H approach requires careful attention to these specific elements:

Upholding core values: All interventions must rigorously adhere to J2H’s core values and principles, which are: mutual respect, individualisation, self-determination, non-judgemental attitude, trust and confidentiality.

Part 1 of the implementation guide outlines J2H core values, principles and theoretical frameworks.

Including the key components of programmatic

design: These include trauma-informed care, survivor-centred approaches, customised healing plans, and nurturing and accompaniment.

Part 2 of the implementation guide provides more detail on the key components to be considered in designing programmes.

Psychological support: J2H facilitators and survivor champions need to be trained in giving survivors the tools and techniques they need to start to understand their trauma responses and learn to cope with them.

They also need to know how to avoid any form of re-traumatisation or exploitation.

Part 3 of the implementation guide includes a section on psychological support and essential tools and techniques.

Referral pathways: It is vital to ensure clear, accessible and respectful referral pathways to help survivors access specialised legal, medical, psychological and livelihood services. J2H is about addressing the holistic needs of survivors, looking beyond what the peer support groups can provide.

Parts 3 and 5 of the implementation guide include more details on building support systems that extend beyond the peer support groups.

Mobilising resources sustainably: If any J2H programme is to be sustained and grow in a way that remains true to the heart of J2H, it is important to plan carefully. This means considering how to ensure the programme has enough resources, including through ‘training of trainers’ and careful budgeting. It also involves offering sustained and comprehensive support to survivor champions.

Parts 4 and 5 of the implementation guide focus on training and scale-up.