Train-of-trainer child mental health approaches in the global South: Trainers’ perspectives

Purpose – Given the limited availability of child mental health services in resource-constrained Global South settings, the Train-the-Trainer (TtT) approach is increasingly used to cascade knowledge and skills. This study aims to understand trainers’ experiences of such programmes. Design/methodology/approach – The TtT was delivered in under-resourced areas in South Africa and Pakistan, and shelters for unaccompanied minors in Greece. Trainers in South Africa (n = 4) and Pakistan (n = 8) largely had social care and educational backgrounds and cascaded knowledge to both end-users (young people and families) and professionals, while trainers in Greece (n = 14) had more mental health experience and trained psychosocial and residential workers. Trainers participated in focus groups at the beginning and end of the programme. Data were integrated and analysed through a thematic codebook framework. Findings – Trainers in South Africa and Pakistan focused more on skills and self-development, as well as on self-care, while trainers in Greece delved more into theoretical and organisational TtT components. There were commonalities on the experiential learning process across all sites. Participants identified areas for future attention and trainer support. Originality/value – In the context of limited evidence on TtT child mental health programmes in the Global South, the reported interdisciplinary approach was positively received, as it upskilled new trainers to reach marginalised communities. The findings can inform the further design and implementation of cascade training in resource-constrained settings, which should involve local stakeholders in co-production.