Partner Spotlight: Ipso

Today we’re honored to get to know Ipso - International Psychosocial Organisation - one of Peloton's global community partners focused on democratizing access to mental health. Peloton partnered with Ipso, which is based in Germany and Afghanistan, and six other organizations earlier this year as part of the Peloton Pledge, our four-year, $100M investment to fight against racial injustice and inequity, and the promotion of health and well-being for all. Peloton committed $20M to this work and is taking the next few weeks to get to know each of the community partners. Over the summer we heard from TAIBU in Canada, Sporting Equals in the U.K., and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and the Steve Fund in the U.S.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your organization. How would you describe your mission?

Ipso: We are working toward a world where we, as human beings, are responsive to each other, willing to take responsibility for ourselves and our social environment in a conscious act that enables us to be open to the world at large: creative – curious – empathetic.

Ipso achieves this through Value Based Counseling, community-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service interventions and cultural dialogue within and between communities, as well as initiatives that reflect on cultural and social identity.

Ipso promotes the well-being of vulnerable people, migrants, refugees and human beings in Germany and worldwide, especially in many crisis areas. Through culturally sensitive psychosocial support our clients reach a safe space. Our counselors provide mental health services at eye level in our clients native languages, online and face to face. The offer is accessible regardless of where one comes from, which religion one follows or how one defines their gender and sexual orientation.

Can you share a few programs or partnerships that you think really represent your missions and that you’re particularly proud of? Ipso: Currently, we are further developing the digital accessibility of our psychosocial services to help us get in touch with vulnerable people for whom there is no adequate mental health support in Germany. Whether in a transitional situation at a refugee shelter, at home, at work, or any other location: online counseling is available without long waiting times and interpreters, as we are working with native speakers and professional psychosocial counselors. With our mental health services, people are able to face their mental stress and the related challenges, based on the proven short-term intervention Value Based Counseling. By doing so, they are able to regain their inner strength.

Another project we’re proud of is the Peace Ambassador Training in Berlin. The Peace Ambassador Training provides training for culturally sensitive mental health care in refugee shelters, in that community’s first language. The trained Peace Ambassadors help to strengthen self-help, psychosocial competence, intercultural understanding, and mutual cross-cultural support. We heard from a shelter that supports the Syrian community about a resident who had a hand tremor. He felt embarrassed because the tremor caused him to spill his coffee and stain his hands. But since he attended sessions with other community members and the Peace Ambassadors, the tremors stopped. His connection with the Syrian community helped him feel more confident.

Can you tell us a little bit about your work with Peloton?

Ipso: Together with Peloton it is our goal to empower people to be the best version of themselves. As part of this, we are working with refugees and people in crisis areas, focused on facilitating the access to mental health resources and services. These services are based on the Value Based Counseling Approach: It is our aim to enable people to solve their problems and conflicts, to develop themselves further, maintain functional and rewarding relationships with their family and friends, and establish good values to guide their lives.

Moreover, with Peloton’s partnership, we are able to increase the accessibility of our services by hiring five additional Psychosocial Counselors. Together the new counselors can provide about 550 sessions each month. Additionally Peloton’s support will help us digitize our counseling platform, which will provide our clients with new and different ways to access psychosocial support. For example, we’re now able to update our app. Clients can use the app to journal and record their thoughts.

The work Ipso does seems to be very driven by what the community needs. Can you share how you deliver your services to your community?

Ipso: For the last 14 years, Ipso has offered individual-based and community-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services.

On the individual level, the Value Based Counseling approach promotes personal and social well-being and gives clients the tools they need to integrate into local communities.

On the community level, Ipso organizes life skill groups. Groups offer a great environment where people can share their personal stories, express themselves, and learn from others who may have similar experiences. In group, clients have the chance to find acceptance while also learning how to be a supportive member of a community. Additionally, these groups help reduce the stigma of mental health and promote awareness of mental health issues and psychosocial stressors.

All of the organization’s work builds towards Ipso’s larger goal to promote a cultural exchange between communities.