What about the Moms?

It is all too easy to forget about the Carer, the person who is expected to keep it all together 24/7. For the first time, an event was arranged for mothers of children with special needs at the HOPE Center in April.  Moms were taken completely by surprise with the events of the day as they were pampered and indulged, and returned home feeling calmer and happier, ready to face a new day.

Between 9am-1pm, mothers were guided through a series of events which included counselling activities, group discussion and relaxation. The energy levels gradually increased over the morning, reaching a crescendo with a Zumba session. Thanks to generous sponsorship from local companies, the ladies went home with an ample goodie bag along with a sense of rejuvenation.

The schedule for the day had deliberately been kept secret so as to surprise the mothers, who came with open-minds and open hearts.

Uzma Raheem, The Center Director, said: “We hope this will be a first in a series of workshops for the parents. Our aim is to continue to provide psycho-education, boost morale and build support between the mothers.

Head of student affairs and counseling, Kim Lyon, said: “We did a pre- and post-test to see the change in the mothers’ moods.  The forms showed a significant increase in positive feelings, which was very rewarding for us.

“Every lady who attended said they would like to see more of such workshops, and we believe that these can make a big difference to their general well-being. It is exciting to be facilitating such programs here in Jeddah.”

If you were one of the moms present, we would love to hear your thoughts. Drop a quick comment to let us know. Or even if you were not there, what do you think of this initiative?

The Best Mom in the World!

HOPE – For Exceptional Needs brings a one-of-a-kind event for Mothers of children with special needs!

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Date: 25th April, 2015
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: HOPE – For Exceptional Needs

All mothers of children with special needs are welcome.

This event is FREE

Please contact us to book your spot as attendance is limited.

RSVP by 20th April, 2015
Email: info@hopeksa.org
Or call Hope to book your spot for the retreat: 0566956887 / 0566631176 / 0598599573

Project Mercy: A FREE Screening Event

Project Mercy of Madinah Munawwarah and the HOPE Center in Jeddah present to you the first ever Pediatric Therapeutic Screening Event.

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Date: 28 March, 2015

Time: 8am-3pm

Location: Ad-Daar Hospital (right across the street from Masjid Quba in Madinah Munawwarah)

If you’d like to volunteer, please sign up with name and time slot of your availability. We are looking for more translators and responsible teens to help out with siblings. (For teens, please include age).

There is also space left if you’d like your child to be screened (quick consult with specialists/professionals)

Questions? Confirmations? Email them to madinah@itherapies.info

Time

Hope Receives 3rd Grant from Boeing

Jeddah Blog was truly honoured to receive an invitation to HOPE – For Exceptional Needs’ award ceremony in February, whereby Hope was bestowed its third grant from Boeing. Having visited the HOPE Centre last in the summer of 2014, I was pleasantly surprised to note many improvements from the construction (such as the bridge between both buildings), to the facilities provided to children (for example the much-improved library and the sensory room).

The event itself was not only very well-organised, but I was struck by the politeness, helpfulness and hospitality of all of the Hope staff present. There was a great degree of attention to detail in the table settings, flower arrangements, food menu, down to the perfectly sharpened pencils and writing pads placed on each table for note-taking purposes.

Do we really need Professional Therapy?

In this month’s mental well-being column, trainee therapist Kim Lyon discusses whether we really need professional therapy and points us towards many centres in Jeddah offering help from life coaching to more intense consultations. If you, or someone you know feels they need help to get their life back on track, then do share this post with them.

Imagine you are at a social event, talking to someone new. “What do you do?” They say, “I’m a psychologist.” Do you suddenly find an excuse to move away? The truth is psychology doesn’t have a glamorous reputation. Spread through the media or otherwise, an array of misconceptions exist around psychology and therapy. There is a stigma attached to seeking out a professionally-trained ear when times are tough.

Many people do not question spending a couple of hundred riyal on a personal trainer, or a tutor. Yet when it comes to their mental well-being, there may be a reluctance to spend money. Or, a person may not know where to find the help they’re looking for. They may go to the doctor and take a prescription for Prozac or some such, which may only mask symptoms.

Times are changing in Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah there are a growing number of mental health resources, and a far cry from dingy psychiatric wards. Maabar Social Consultancy and the ACT Centre are two such places in Jeddah, where discretion and confidentiality are paramount. Both are private independently run buildings, designed to feel homely and with a relaxing atmosphere. The ACT Center aims to provide a safe space for people to come and talk.

It may come as a surprise to learn of the variety of therapies that are happening in Jeddah. Cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, meditation, art therapy, family therapy, couples counseling, and play therapy are all on offer. Reiki, energy flow and parenting workshops are also available. The website Psych Central has an excellent description of each type of therapy. Or, if you’re still unsure, stop by for a complimentary consultation.

If you are feeling stuck in an area of your life, or your self-esteem has taken a knock, then perhaps a few sessions of life-coaching could help put you back on track. Change is never easy, but part of a psychologist’s job is to elicit and effect transformation. Many of your resolves for the New Year may have faded, but perhaps it’s time to go back to the drawing board, and make some investment in me, myself and I. Life’s a journey, so clear out some emotional baggage and prepare to travel light!

YIG Ramadan Volunteering Food Distribution Program

• Seeking to do good works this Ramadan?
• Wish to give back to the community?
• Looking to volunteer your time for a worthy cause?
• Are you a teen seeking to get involved in social programs?
• Need community hours for High School graduation and University admissions?

Look no further – Get Involved with YIG: Jeddah’s Premier Volunteering Program for Social Work

Who can participate?
-Adult
-Teens
-Minimum Age 13 yrs
-Males & Female

Days and Times
-1st Ramadan to 30th Ramadan
-4:30-6:30 PM Daily

Meeting Point
Daily at Park Hayyat, Jeddah

Distribution Districts
Volunteers will be dispatched in groups from Park Hayatt under the supervision of a team leader.

Locations

8 locations, South of Jeddah, Ruwais, Ghulail, Karantina, Gurayat, Balad

Certificates to all International Community in Jeddah volunteers stating volunteering hours can be arranged upon request.

Contact Persons

For more information, visit the Event page.
Mohammed: 0566714188
Ally Durvesh: 0599998894