The Importance of Psycho-social Support, Education and Employment After the Beirut Blast

Following the devastating post Beirut-blast period, Imam Sadr Foundation (ISF) responded through the provision of relief services in the areas of: shelter, health, mental health and psycho-social support. Supported by some international partners, such as the Catholic Relief Services (who collaborated on a project between August 2020 until June 2021 with ISF), these initiatives assisted in providing support to factions of Lebanese society that were most in need. To ensure the success of these initiatives, ISF first aimed at identifying local active partners who are trusted by their local communities – as this had proven to be very efficient following the first Rapid Assessment of Needs, that additionally comprised sharing information on a common platform for national and international NGOs in order to complement each others’ work, avoid duplication, and recommend each other for specific tasks.

Some of the most successful initiatives ISF undertook include: Following up on injured victims through the provision of physiotherapy sessions at home, coverage of medical consultations and medicines, as well as the provision of cognitive therapy for him to regain capacities and make it back to schoolwork. ISF successfully also covered rehabilitation fees for another 42 year old beneficiary in a coma. ISF also worked diligently to reach out to persons who lost their job because of the blast and settled in refugee camps in the North – ultimately providing support for matters such as urgent dental surgery and medication. ISF also focuses on the importance of education during these challenging times through the provision of support to a devastated school in Bourj Hammoud. ISF provided everything from materials and equipment for the entertainment area, to gifts for children during lockdown, to psycho-social support (PSS) sessions on parenting and coping with children during crises. ISF additionally assisted charitable associations in Achrafieh and Zoqaq Blat through providing staff with PSS sessions, awareness sessions and equipment for beneficiaries with special needs.

ISF witnessed more success in reaching vulnerable people at home (with partners) to provide rehabilitation support, medical and paramedical services, psychotherapy, distribution of food vouchers, disability aid, entertainment gifts for children, hygiene kits boxes and sanitary products. It worked diligently in the areas of job creation (with local providers) and worked closely with local suppliers in the front zones who were affected most by the Beirut Blast.

ISF collaborates locally with Catholic Relief Services on their project, “Preparing to Excel in Emergency Response (PEER) project”; carries out its own “Mental Health Program,” in collaboration with four certified psychiatric nurses/therapists that delivers “Psychological First Aid” to organizations and equips them on how to work with vulnerable groups. ISF attributes its political neutrality, for its solid reputation across the humanitarian and development fields, as well as its non- discriminatory approaches and human rights based approaches.

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Imam Sadr Foundation (ISF)