Psychosocial Support for Men in Lebanon
Like women, men are susceptible to various forms of psychological pressures that can affect their overall wellbeing. Since they are fundamental parts of our society and are bread winners for many families, the Service and Relief – Diakonia Department, Lebanon’s Office, at the Middle East Council of Churches, decided during May 2023 to carry out psychosocial support and soft skills sessions to a group of men.
In terms of psychosocial support, participants were taught ways to overcome stressors and triggers of violent behavior. They were also instructed on how to engage their partners whom they have an intimate relationship with, without resorting to violence. In this way, a healthy way of dealing with conflict is promoted.
Moreover, they were taught the importance of empowering others within the family because this will improve their individual and communal self-confidence, and will pave the way for a better functional family. As for the soft skills sessions, the same group of men were taught how to make baskets thus improving handicraft skills.
This opportunity gave them the chance to distress and feel empowered by the new skills they are learning. As some of these men are unemployed, the session gave them a boost to their moral by allowing them to be productive members of society.
