GRF Launches Mental Health Project for Refugee Children in Lebanon
We are delighted to announce the implementation of a brand new project: Play Therapy and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for Syrian and Palestinian refugee children in Lebanon.
About the Project
NET & Play Therapy will support young children living in camps who may suffer from PTSD and other mental health disorders, as a result of the trauma they have experienced. The project will be carried out by child psychologists, speak and language therapists and clinical practitioners.
These professionals will record children’s emotions and actions during therapy sessions (whether that be through art created or information shared) to gain an insight into their traumatic experiences. Cycles will run for a period of 2 months, with the first session carried out earlier this month.
Challenges Refugee Children Face
Refugee children in Lebanon face significant mental health challenges, with PTSD particularly prevalent. This affects their development, schooling and ability to form relationships. An estimated 40% of the global refugee population is made up of children under the age of 18 (UNHCR).
Furthermore, children who grew up in refugee camps are exposed to stressful experiences such as war and conflict, making them vulnerable to developing mental health difficulties like PTSD and anxiety disorders. There have been many programmes directed towards addressing the mental health of children, with two of the most effective being Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Play Therapy.
GRF’s Approach: Why Lebanon?
At GRF, we recognise our position and how fortunate we are to implement projects that can make a real difference. We have worked in Lebanon for over a decade, distributing aid to and supporting Syrian and Palestinian refugees. Lebanon has the largest number of refugees per capita and over 50% of the refugee population living below the poverty line.
Over the last 10 years, we have built a strong foundation in the country and look forward to expanding our projects in the region. Our UK team has also visited numerous times, distributing aid, speaking to beneficiaries and making children smile. Therefore, we recognise the opportunity at hand and the benefits it could bring.
What is Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)?
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a short-term psychological treatment that has been proven to reduce PTSD symptoms. NET involves therapists helping children build a chronological narrative of their lives, focusing on trauma endured. The therapist will record the sensory information, emotions, physical relations and thoughts described.
What is Play Therapy?
Play Therapy involves using play and art materials as the main way for people to express themselves. This allows them to share their feelings, fears and anxieties through play, working towards their healing. Play therapy is useful as it does not solely rely on verbal communication but also makes use of other mediums such as art, storytelling, drama therapy and more.
How Can You Support?
We have recently begun the first cycle of NET and Play Therapy. Upon completion, we will evaluate the project’s success and carry out further cycles In Shaa Allah (God willing). But we need your support. This project requires funds to take place. Please support refugee children in Lebanon and donate to our Lebanon Children’s Mental Health Fund today. By donating, you are helping innocent children process the traumatic experiences they have lived through and are supporting their future development.
Thank You!
We thank you for your helping us take care of these children. We hope you will continue to help us as we fulfil our mission. Together, we have assisted people in Lebanon through their most challenging periods, and we aim to continue empowering them, as we would wish for someone to help us in our time of need.