"Psychological First Aid Services: The Palestinian Experience" – A workshop marking World Mental Health Day
supported by Al-Fakhoora and UNDP
Gaza Strip, 10 October 2016 – On World Mental Health Day, more than 100 professionals were brought forward to participate at a workshop entitled "Psychological First Aid Services: The Palestinian Experience", organized by the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) through Al Fakhoora, programme of Education above All Foundation.
The workshop, which comes as part of the mental health component in the Right to Education Programme in Gaza, reiterated the importance and effectiveness of psychological first aid as an immediate intervention approach, especially for traumatized children and women in times of crises, and shared the different experiences and lessons learnt of the main stakeholders and providers of mental health services in the Gaza Strip.
The workshop highlighted the necessity to ensure emergency preparedness plans are put in place as part of the national mental health strategy and the importance of using evidence and community based interventions that target children in their community settings. It also addressed the importance of self-care of caregivers, who may encounter secondary trauma through advanced supervisions, and strengthening the referral system among the different service providers.
The workshop took place at Al Mashtal hotel in Gaza and was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, Al Fakhoora Programme of Education above All Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), UNRWA, Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Mercy Corps, Gaza Community Mental Health Programme and UNDP.
Document Sources: Qatar Fund for Development, UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Subject: Assistance, Health
Publication Date: 10/10/2016