In view of the World Mental Health Day, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Volunteering Programme recently launched the first-ever initiative to train volunteers in psychological first aid in a bid to support the mental health care needs of the community members.

Through this programme, volunteer field medical teams will be trained to provide mental health support to members of the community such that they are able to overcome the emotional and psychological repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union (GWU) asserted that the programme is the first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at improving the capabilities of the specialists and preparing volunteer teams to create increased awareness about the need for addressing mental health issues in the UAE. The programme coincides with the World Mental Health Day celebrated every year by the United Nations (UN) on October 10.

In addition, heads of specialist mentors will also be trained during the programme such that they are able to provide mental health and field psychological support to community members in relation to the impact of Coronavirus. This initiative will be carried out with the participation of several mental health experts and specialists in the field.

Commenting on the programme, Dr.Noura Al Ajami, Director of the Leaders in Mental First Aid, noted that the initiative has been launched to train leaders in psychological first aid such that they are able to impart the knowledge and training to other people to help them respond to the unprecedented effects of the pandemic.

She added that volunteers will be trained based on applied scenarios, particularly relating to offering mental health first aid and support as well as its key principles using audio-visual methods to help community members. Volunteers will also be trained about self-help strategies while responding to the impact of the pandemic.

WAM