Mind-body workshops and groups
For children, women and men, in shelters and communities.
DetailsOur programmes
Safe spaces for healing across the Strip
We reach children, women, men and service providers in shelters, schools, hospitals and community organisations. All our programmes are free and open to all.
Our programmes at a glance
Care for service providers
Self-care workshops for humanitarian and health workers.
DetailsFacilitator training
Professional and advanced training for partner staff, with clinical supervision.
DetailsChildren and mothers
Recreational and awareness activities for children, and support for orphans and for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
DetailsFrom the field
For everyone
Mind-body workshops and groups
Our facilitators work in shelters and communities across the Gaza Strip. In each session we learn a skill and try it together, then talk about what we noticed in our bodies, thoughts and feelings. No one has to speak, and everyone chooses what they want to share.
What we offer
- Emergency mind-body self-care workshops
- Mind-body skills groups of 5 or 10 sessions, in small groups of 8 to 10 people
- Individual and family support, by hotline and in person
- Awareness sessions on protection from abuse and exploitation, and on the dangers of explosive remnants of war
What we learn
- Soft belly breathing to calm the body
- Meditation, both still and in movement
- Guided imagery to call up a sense of safety
- Drawing and writing to express what is hard to put into words
- Movement to ease tension in the body
For those who care for others
Care for service providers
Supporting service providers is not a luxury but a necessity. So we run self-care workshops for staff of humanitarian and health organisations, and we have held sessions for the staff of Al-Awda Hospital.
- A workshop of 3 consecutive days, 6 training hours a day
- Open to staff of every specialty, not only psychologists
- Each organisation nominates one staff member, first come, first served
- Includes breathing, movement, meditation, imagery and drawing, in large and small groups
For partner organisations
Facilitator training
We train staff of partner local organisations in the Professional and Advanced Mind-Body Program, 8 to 9 intensive training days. Trainees practise the skills themselves first, then learn to bring them into their organisations’ services.
After the training, graduates lead mind-body workshops and groups for the people their organisations serve, with clinical supervision from our supervisors. Facilitators can then join the Certified Facilitator Program, and later clinical supervision training.
For children and mothers
Children and mothers
With children we rely on play, drawing and movement. We hold recreational days in camps and kindergartens, and puppet shows that teach children to recognise and avoid explosive remnants of war.
- Integrated psychosocial care and case management for orphaned children, with Taawon
- Workshops for pregnant and breastfeeding women on mental health and breastfeeding, in partnership with UK-Med
- Sessions for children and people with disabilities, led by facilitators from our partner organisations
Before you join
Practical details
- Where: in shelters and community organisations across the Gaza Strip
- Groups: 5 or 10 sessions, with 8 to 10 participants each
- Cost: free
- How to join: contact our nearest team in the field, call us, or write to us from the contact page
Questions about our programmes
How do I join a group?
Contact our nearest team in the field, call us, or write to us from the contact page. All our groups and workshops are open and free.
Do I have to talk about my personal experiences?
No. Speaking is always optional; you can simply practise the skills and listen.
Are there groups for children?
Yes. We work with children of all ages and adapt the skills to each age through play, drawing and movement. Children’s groups are open now.
Who can apply for facilitator training?
Our professional and advanced training is for staff nominated by our local partner organisations. If your organisation would like to partner with us, write to us from the contact page.
Want to join, or to work with us?
We are glad to hear from you.