On World Mental Health Day, UNDP and the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Georgia brought together partners from civil society and health institutions to mark the results of a joint project that strengthened peer work in Georgia’s mental health system.

The initiative built local capacities by developing a standard of mental health peer work in Georgia based on international best practices, diversifying mental health services, training new peer workers, and establishing a professional platform to advance recovery-oriented care. It introduced peer work as a sustainable practice, placing people with lived experience of mental health conditions at the heart of support.

The project was implemented from 2022 to 2025, in partnership with the Czech Centre for Mental Health Care Development (CMHCD) and the Georgian civil society organisation ‘Partnership for Equal Rights’ (PER), with the support of the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, UNDP Georgia, and the Czech Embassy in Georgia.

“Georgia is drawing on the Czech Republic’s experience in driving innovation, building environmental sustainability, fostering social inclusion, and strengthening communities. Since 2018, the Czech-UNDP Partnership, working closely with experts and civil society in both countries, has supported over 40 projects in Georgia, delivering tangible improvements in people’s lives. Mental health is one area where our collaboration is making a meaningful and lasting difference,” said H.E. Petr Kubernát, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Georgia.

According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions. In Georgia, at least five percent of the population is estimated to face such challenges, according to the country’s Mental Health Strategy 2022–2030.

“We live in turbulent times when climate disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies take a toll on our well-being,” said Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia. “By investing in peer support, we save lives and help people rebuild, both as individuals and as communities. Together with the Czech Republic, civil society, and health institutions, UNDP is proud to strengthen mental health services in Georgia.”

“Peer work is about people with lived experience of mental health challenges helping others navigate similar paths. It creates trust, reduces stigma, and ensures that those most vulnerable have access to the support they need,” said Olga Kalina, Partnership for Equal Rights (PER).

Key Achievements (2024–2025)

• Support for Mental Health Services: Six mental health services across Georgia received methodological support to sustain peer worker employment.
• Training of Peer Workers: 24 people completed a 98-hour peer work training.
• Capacity Building: 30 mental health professionals joined webinars, workshops, and a conference, strengthening their recovery-oriented practice.
• Professional Platform: A strong national team of 16 experienced peer workers and mental health professionals was established to co-deliver future training.
• Knowledge Sharing: Events included a World Mental Health Day 2024 conference, thematic webinars, and an interactive workshop.

As the project concludes, Czech and Georgian partners reaffirm their commitment to advancing inclusive and effective mental health care in Georgia.

Background

The Czech-UNDP Partnership for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a flexible platform that brings Czech expertise to countries across Europe and Central Asia. It supports innovative solutions by introducing new methods, ideas, and technologies rooted in Czech experience and know-how.

Disclaimer

The project “Building Local Mental Health Peer-Work Capacities in Georgia” was implemented by UNDP through the Czech Challenge Fund, with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The contents of this press release do not necessarily represent the official views of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Media Contact

Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP in Georgia, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org