Implemented by Medair
March 2025 – December 2025
Lebanon is facing a deepening crisis that is taking a significant toll on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of its population. Since October 2023, the country has been directly affected by the escalation of conflict in the region, particularly through repeated attacks along its Southern border in the context of the war in Gaza. Communities are living under constant fear and uncertainty. In this context, children and adolescents are especially vulnerable, as the accumulation of chronic stress, exposure to violence, and limited access to support services severely impacts their emotional and psychological development.
Amid this reality, the Peace of Mind Foundation and Medair have partnered to respond to the growing mental health needs of children and adolescents across Lebanon. Recognizing the urgent need for psychosocial support in conflict-affected communities, the project seeks to improve the well-being and resilience of vulnerable young people through a community-based approach that centers on healing, empowerment, and inclusion.
At the core of the initiative is the belief that adolescents themselves can play a powerful role in supporting one another. The program begins by training community volunteers in Psychological First Aid, equipping them with tools to provide immediate emotional support and recognize signs of distress. These volunteers, many of whom are youth themselves, are then empowered to act as peer supporters, creating safe and empathetic spaces for dialogue, connection, and healing within their communities. In parallel, awareness sessions are held with adolescents and their caregivers to encourage participation, reduce stigma, and build a better understanding of mental health, using interactive activities and age-appropriate language to ensure relevance and engagement.
Peer support groups are facilitated using the “Touch Base” curriculum — a nine-session program adapted to the Lebanese context that addresses themes such as identity, community belonging, and emotional regulation. The sessions include opportunities for artistic expression as a way for participants to process and communicate difficult emotions non-verbally. A key component of the curriculum also involves strengthening communication between adolescents and their caregivers, promoting more supportive home environments.
In addition to these sessions, the project incorporates inclusive recreational activities across different community spaces, bringing together children from diverse backgrounds through storytelling, structured play, and creative arts. These activities are not only therapeutic but also foster positive social interactions, strengthen life skills like teamwork and problem-solving, and promote a sense of normalcy and hope amid ongoing instability.
Through this initiative, Peace of Mind and Medair aim to nurture safe and supportive community structures where young people can access psychosocial support, build resilience, and reclaim their right to thrive — even in the face of adversity.