intergenerational dialogue sessions under the “Mental Health Matters” project

Juzoor for Health and Social Development, under the “Mental Health Matters” project, conducted eight interactive intergenerational dialogue sessions in several governorates across the West Bank, engaging 255 young people, parents, and caregivers. The sessions provided safe spaces for dialogue between young people and adults, promoted communication and mutual understanding within families, and raised awareness of mental health while reducing the stigma around seeking psychological support.

Participants discussed key issues affecting Palestinian families, including economic, social, and political pressures, unemployment, movement restrictions, uncertainty about the future, and their impact on mental health and family relationships. They also explored young people’s needs for trust, independence, and participation in decision-making, alongside parents’ concerns about protection and safety.

Using participatory approaches such as open discussion, brainstorming, role-playing, and intergenerational experience sharing, the sessions promoted dialogue based on listening and understanding and increased awareness of available psychological support and referral services.

Participants highlighted the importance of continuing these meetings and creating more opportunities for intergenerational dialogue and mutual understanding.

The sessions were implemented in cooperation with Sharek Youth Forum, Tubas Charitable Society, Friends of the Patient Charitable Society – Beitna, Palestinian Child Happiness Association, and Deir Al-Hatab Women’s Charitable Society, 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.