Reviewing the Effectiveness of the Implementation of Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) by Refugee Outreach Volunteers in Lebanon (2025)

This report reviews the pilot implementation of Group Problem Management Plus (PM+) by trained refugee Outreach Volunteers (OVs) in Lebanon, as part of a broader community-based psychosocial support (CB-PSS) programme conducted from late 2021 to 2023. Group PM+, a scalable intervention based on cognitive-behavioural strategies, aims to improve mental health and psychosocial well-being among refugees through structured, non-specialized support. Syrian refugee OVs, trained and supervised by professionals, facilitated five-session group PM+ interventions addressing stress, depression, and practical challenges. Funded by the Government of the Netherlands through the PROSPECTS Partnership and implemented by UNHCR and Save the Children, the pilot was supported by a multi-agency steering committee. An independent review conducted in 2024 assessed implementation across four regions, focusing on process effectiveness, impact on refugee well-being, feasibility and acceptability of the approach, and OV competencies. Despite delays due to regional conflict, the pilot informed ongoing programme improvements and scale-up.