ABSTRACT
Although there have been improvements in challenging stigma, developing trauma awareness programmes, and increasing access to psychosocial support, the author believes that overall the humanitarian sector still has a long way to go in offering best practice psychosocial support to prevent their staff from getting ‘burnt’. A psychosocial pathway of care is explored, that supports aid workers through the pre-, during, and post-deployment stages. Pathways of psychosocial support are explored that were set up to support staff during the Ebola crisis that started in 2014, where staff were assigned to Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Preparing staff pre-departure, being available to provide support whilst in the field, and following up with them post-deployment is crucial in promoting staff wellbeing. If these pathways become the norm they will help to break through stigma, and encourage individuals to reach out for support when they need it. The homecoming is often an overlooked phase of someone’s deployment. Indeed many individuals find returning home, and the affects of reverse culture shock after an assignment, more difficult than deploying.
