Juzoor Holds “From Policy to Action” Workshop to Address Mental Health Related Stigma Among Adolescents in Palestine
Juzoor for Health and Social Development organized a multi-sectoral workshop titled “From Policy to Action,” aimed at translating the recommendations of the policy paper developed by Juzoor on strategies to reduce stigma associated with mental health among adolescents and youth in Palestine into actionable and practical steps. This was achieved by defining roles and responsibilities, identifying resources and gaps, and strengthening coordination among relevant stakeholders.
The workshop brought together 32 participants representing ministries, local and international NGOs, universities, and youth organizations, in addition to mental health specialists, service providers, and development partners. Participants discussed key challenges affecting access to mental health services, including limited funding, a shortage of specialized professionals, weak coordination, and difficulties in accessing services in marginalized areas. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring confidentiality and engaging youth and individuals with lived experience in the design of policies and interventions.
The workshop resulted in a set of practical recommendations, most notably strengthening multi-sectoral national coordination, ensuring sustainable funding, expanding access to mental health services, developing legislative and media frameworks, and unifying awareness messages. These efforts aim to reduce stigma and enhance a more inclusive and sustainable national mental health response.
To access the policy paper: https://shorturl.at/GpdlI
This workshop was implemented as part of the “Mental Health Matters” project, implemented by Juzoor in partnership with CARE Palestine, through the Belgian agency for international cooperation (Enabel), with the support from the Belgian government.
