Mental Health Training Programme; Personnel Working with Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon (Edited Version)

At the end of 2005, Response International published a needs analysis report, focusing on mental health issues in Palestinian refugee camps and gatherings, in Lebanon;
see Archive section: Mental Health Needs Assessment in Palestinian Refugee Camps, Lebanon 2005 That report included some 26 recommendations, some related to training needs, some to policy and others to procedural change.  Some of the latter also had implications for training.

Subsequently Response International secured sufficient funds for a three month programme to offer introductory training, in mental health issues, for up to 50 trainees. All of the selected trainees worked within NGOs in Palestinian camps, and had expressed a direct or indirect interest in mental health. Funding was from a number of sources, including the United Nations Victims of Torture Fund and Karim Rida Said Foundation.

Trainees of mental health training course implemented in Beirut

Interest for the course resulted from considerable contact with organisations/ individuals, as a result of the needs analysis activity. Attendees were divided into two groups for the practical delivery of the course. 20 NGOs and all refugee camps were represented.  The first group had three men and the second only one; attendance was predominantly female. Both Muslim and Christian NGOs were represented.

The first group attended sessions at the Vocational Training Centre in Al Bas Palestinian Camp in Tyre from 20th February 2006.  The course ran for eight 5 hour days (Monday – Thursday for two consecutive weeks). 26 trainees attended, taken  from NGOs working in camps in Sidon and Tyre.

The second group had 21 trainees and attended the NGO Network Office (NPA premises) in Beirut from 20th March 2006. The trainees attending this group were taken from camps in Beirut, Tripoli and Beqa.
 
The taught sessions were followed up by field visits by the trainers to each of the trainees in their respective workplaces; to discuss particular issues (health promotion and dealing with specific clients cases).

In each case, the aims were to increase awareness and knowledge base; promote positive attitudes to mental health and disorder; develop skills of assessment, intervention and referral of clients and others with psychological problems; become advocates for the mentally disordered; form an advocacy/support group for mentally disordered in refugee camps. All of the programme aims were achieved as the taught programme and subsequent field visits unfolded.

Trainees of mental health training course implemented in Beirut

On the penultimate day of the taught course, the trainees were presented with anonymised details of a current case taken from RI’s caseload and asked to break into groups to come up with solutions to some of the problems posed; in terms of: management, support, risk assessment referral options etc.  They performed very well in this exercise, were informed, holistic, objective and realistic in their presentations.

This course was seen by all as a stimulus for future, more comprehensive training.  All trainees stated they would welcome more training, either as a group or within NGOs. The training programme has acted as a useful pilot for further activities.  In addition to NGOs there is an identified need for the training of UNRWA staff in medical, educational and social welfare fields of work.

Training of this kind serves to improve awareness and attitudes towards mental health issues. Other recommendations of our 2005 report include strategies for mental health promotion, the formation of mental health advice and response teams, advocacy/service user groups, interventions to improve the respect for human rights of the mentally ill and equitable access to help.

Proposals for projects which address these issues are at this time being prepared for donors.

Trainees of mental health training course implemented in South Beirut