According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of the Welfare Organization, Salman Hosseini detailed the center’s dedicated efforts during the recent crisis, highlighting the extensive network of local volunteers combating the psychological and social consequences of war.
He elaborated on the actions taken by the active social mental health assistants on the front lines of public service.
Scope of Activity and Volunteer Network
The head of the Social Emergency Center, responsible for prevention of harms and addiction rehabilitation at the Welfare Organization, stated: “Currently, 534 social mental health assistant groups, comprising local volunteers, are established and active in over 244 cities nationwide. These groups, with the support of 500 local facilitators, deliver more than 14,000 varied services to citizens daily.”
Emphasizing the importance of training during crises, he added: “The creation and dissemination of educational content in the form of podcasts, and electronic and print brochures focusing on resilience components are key activities of these groups. These trainings are specifically designed for vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant women, to enhance their coping abilities in wartime conditions.”
Interagency Synergy and Crisis Management
Hosseini mentioned coordination efforts with other relief organizations: “Our volunteers, in collaboration with organizations such as the Red Crescent and the Ministry of Health, have conducted training courses on medical emergencies and methods for coping with infrastructural crises (like water and energy outages) for neighborhood residents.”
The head of the Social Emergency Center, focusing on harm prevention and addiction rehabilitation at the Welfare Organization, stated that creating psychological calm in neighborhoods is the top priority. “The distribution of educational materials and toys among children, the organization of local competitions, and the implementation of storytelling and indigenous games are underway to reduce stress and transfer life skills to families. Alongside these support activities, these groups, in solidarity with the local community, have expressed their revulsion towards the inhuman actions of the aggressors.”
Support for the Elderly and Specialized Referrals
Hosseini concluded by noting: “Addressing the daily living and livelihood needs of vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly living alone in neighborhoods, is a serious focus for the assistants. Furthermore, providing basic counseling services and referring critical cases to specialized centers completes our chain of psychosocial support during these times.”
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