The Middle East Council of Churches and Tearfund Contribute to Strengthening Mental Health in Lebanon
A New Workshop Entitled "Connecting Hearts and Minds"
Amidst the difficult circumstances affecting the people of Lebanon and the region, the Diakonia and Social Service Department – Lebanon’s Office at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) seeks to raise mental health awareness in various communities to alleviate daily pressures and psychological burdens.
In this context, the Department, in partnership with Tearfund organization, organized a new workshop entitled "Connecting Hearts and Minds." Participants were humanitarian and social workers, and MECC volunteers, from different Church Families. It took place from August 4 to 7, 2025, in Beirut.
This workshop featured interactive sessions characterized by their dynamic topics, aimed at training participants on ways to manage emotions and behaviors to overcome all challenges and difficulties, in addition to developing their counseling abilities and helping them take care of their mental health, especially during times of stress.
The workshop sessions provided a space of safety and hope, during which participants were able to better express themselves by benefiting from the topics addressed, such as basic the key concepts and guiding principles for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), guiding principles and facilitation skills, concepts of connecting hearts and minds, monitoring tools and self-care strategies, suicide risk assessment and safety planning, as well as identifying a safe environment and referral ways to health and medical centers.
Furthermore, participants were assisted in transferring the acquired experiences and information to the children of their Parishes and communities so that they could in turn overcome all the difficult circumstances they might face.
At the end, each participant received a certificate of participation, expressing how much they benefited from this workshop, during which they were able to share their concerns, experiences, and opinions.
