Bahrain Red Crescent Society Enhances mental Health Support Capabilities with Advanced Training Workshop
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The Bahrain Red Crescent society recently concluded an advanced training workshop focused on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in emergency situations. held from September 22nd to 24th at the association’s headquarters, the workshop aimed to build a highly skilled team of volunteers and specialists capable of delivering effective psychological care during crises. This initiative underscores the bahrain Red Crescent Society’s commitment to providing comprehensive humanitarian assistance that addresses not only material needs but also the critical psychological well-being of those affected by emergencies.
Workshop Details and Participants
The three-day workshop was led by two prominent experts in the field: Professor Islam Al-Araj, the coordinator of mental health and psychosocial support at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Professor Maysar Sabri Awadallah, Head of Health Awareness at the Bahraini Red Crescent Society. A total of 18 trainees participated, including volunteers from the Bahraini Red Crescent, as well as specialists from the Psychiatric Hospital and Sirin Hospital in Bahrain.
Core Training Areas
The workshop curriculum covered a wide range of essential topics related to MHPSS in crisis contexts. Key areas of focus included:
* Fundamentals of Mental Health: Providing a foundational understanding of mental health principles.
* Pyramid of Interventions: Exploring a tiered approach to psychological support, ranging from basic human support to specialized clinical care.
* Services Package: Detailing a comprehensive set of services for addressing mental health needs in emergencies.
* Community Activities & Psychological Education: Developing skills in raising awareness and promoting mental well-being within communities.
* Impact of Emergencies: Analyzing the psychological effects of crises on individuals and societies.
* Crisis Intervention Techniques: Learning how to effectively manage tension, shock, grief, and sadness in affected individuals.
* Psychological First Aid: Providing support to those experiencing immediate distress.
* Supporting Children: Addressing the unique mental health needs of children in emergency situations.
* Case Evaluation & Referral: Developing skills in accurately assessing and appropriately directing individuals requiring further support.
Strengthening Humanitarian Response and Partnerships
Professor Maysar Sabry Awadallah emphasized the workshop’s alignment with the Bahrain Red Crescent Society’s broader strategy to enhance its humanitarian interventions. She stated that building a specialized team in psychosocial support is a “top priority” to ensure comprehensive assistance,recognizing the vital role of psychological well-being in crisis recovery.
Furthermore, Awadallah highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with organizations like the ICRC to unify efforts and improve field responses during emergencies. The Bahrain Red Crescent Society is committed to continuing these training initiatives to maintain a readily available, highly skilled team capable of providing effective support whenever and wherever it is indeed needed.
key Takeaways
* The Bahrain Red Crescent Society invested in advanced training for its volunteers and specialists in mental health and psychosocial support.
* The workshop, led by experts from the ICRC and the Bahraini Red Crescent, covered a comprehensive range of topics related to MHPSS in emergencies.
* The initiative reflects a commitment to providing holistic humanitarian assistance that addresses both material and psychological needs.
* Strengthening partnerships with international organizations like the ICRC is crucial for effective emergency response.
The Bahrain Red Crescent Society’s proactive approach to building MHPSS capacity demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of communities in Bahrain and beyond.By investing in training and fostering collaboration, the organization is well-positioned to provide vital psychological support during times of crisis, contributing to more resilient and effective humanitarian responses.
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