GCMHP and SAWA Meet to Discuss Cooperation in Telephone Counselling and Referrals

A meeting was held on July 20 between GCMHP and SAWA Organization (via zoom) to deliberate pathways of cooperation between the two organizations regarding the free telephone counselling service and the referrals of clients who are need a higher level of psychological interventions in the Gaza Strip.

The meeting was attended by Ms Shumar, Director General of SAWA in Jerusalem; Mr Jalal Khader, SAWA Office Director in Ramallah; Mr Jehad Arafat, field coordinator.

Dr Yasser Abu Jamei, Director General of GCMHP; Mr. Qusi Abu Odei, Director of External Relations and Resources Development Department, represented GCMHP in the meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mr Arafat explained the role of MDM –  Switzerland, and the partnership with his own organization. He presented the goals of the meeting, on top of which was identifying the shape of the partnership between SAWA and GCMHP

Mr Khader talked about the history and the establishment of SAWA and the free phone counselling services they provide for the population.

He mentioned that between 60% and 70% from the beneficiaries were from Gaza Strip. This as a result – he explained – was one of the reasons that made SAWA seek partnerships in the Gaza Strip, not least with GCMHP, considering its leading role in mental health and psychosocial support.

On his part, Dr Abu Jamei made a brief presentation about GCHMP social responsibility and roles, strategic goals and the services which it provides through the three community centers across the Gaza Strip.

He also talked about GCMHP's free phone counselling services, which was established bac k in 2003, and the protocols followed in providing this service and explained the nature of the psychosocial challenges that most clients seek counselling about.

Ms Shumar asked about the possibility of making referrals of cases from SAWA to GCMHP and the criteria and pathways to do so.

At the end of the meeting it was agreed to continue the communication between SAWA and GCMHP to build an effective future partnership to support the Palestinian community and enhance its wellbeing and perseverance.