The Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), organized an advanced training workshop on mental health and psychosocial support in emergency situations. The workshop was held at the Society’s headquarters from 22 to 24 September with the purpose of building the capacity of volunteers and mental health specialists, equipping them with the skills necessary to provide effective psychological care during crises and emergencies.
The training was delivered by Ms. Islam Al-Araj, Coordinator of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Projects at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Mrs. Mayser Awadallah, Head of the Health Awareness Committee in Bahrain Red Crescent Society. More than 18 participants benefited from the sessions, including volunteers from the Bahrain Red Crescent as well as specialists from the Psychiatric Hospital and Siren Hospital.
The programme addressed a wide range of themes designed to enhance understanding and practical application of mental health and psychosocial support in crisis contexts. Key topics included an introduction to mental health, the pyramid of interventions, the package of services, and community-based activities aimed at psychological education and raising awareness. The sessions also explored the impact of emergencies on individuals and communities, methods of managing stress, trauma, loss, and grief, as well as approaches to supporting children and ensuring the accurate assessment and referral of cases.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Mayser Awadallah emphasized that the workshop forms part of the Society’s broader commitment to strengthen its humanitarian interventions and respond to community needs under the most challenging conditions, and noted that the development of a specialized and qualified team in psychosocial support is a top priority, as this ensures that assistance provided during crises is not limited to material relief but extends to the equally critical psychological dimension.
Mrs. Awadallah further highlighted that deepening cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations represents a key objective of the initiative, as such partnerships contribute to unifying efforts and enhancing field response during emergencies.