From stigma to support: why Arabic mental health education is vital?
The “Wellness Journey” project aims to produce short educational videos in Arabic, aligned with government mental health strategies to improve access to services and reduce stigma. The initiative focuses on enhancing mental well-being and establishing community support networks. Through collaborations with trusted organisations like Cape and Mind, the project will create Arabic content with English subtitles, organise social events, conduct awareness campaigns, and engage mental health professionals.
Our experience highlights the pressing need for mental health services and awareness, particularly within the local Syrian community. The challenges they face underscore the importance of accessible resources that bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. By addressing these issues, we aim to foster a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with mental health concerns.
The necessity for this project is rooted in understanding the barriers faced by non-English speakers, especially refugees and migrants. Through consultations with community members and volunteers, including those with lived experience of displacement trauma, we identified language barriers, cultural nuances, and the stigma surrounding mental health.
Funded by Hammersmith United Charities, our initiative respects cultural sensitivities while raising awareness and reducing stigma. Through Hikayetna, we collaborate with trusted organisations and professionals to offer tailored support to refugee and migrant communities, ultimately fostering mental well-being and improving access to vital resources.
This collaborative approach ensures that our mental health initiatives are relevant and responsive to the diverse needs of the people we aim to support. Personal narratives and testimonials from individuals with refugee backgrounds have deeply informed the project, offering a more empathetic approach to addressing their mental health challenges and access to services like the NHS.