Overview
GCMHP was established in 1990 by the renowned Palestinian psychiatrist and human rights defender, Dr. Eyad El-Sarraj, as an independent, non-governmental, and non-profit Palestinian organization. Since its inception, GCMHP has worked to respond to the urgent need for community-based mental health services in the Gaza Strip by providing comprehensive and specialized mental health care to the population. GCMHP delivers its services through three community centers located in Gaza City, Deir El-Balah, and Khan Younis. These centers are staffed by multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, rehabilitation and occupational therapists, pharmacists, and medical secretaries. The programme provides preventive and curative services across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, including consultations, psychotherapy, and occupational therapy. In recognition of GCMHP’s ongoing work for nearly three decades, the Programme and its founder, the late Dr. Eyad El Sarraj, were awarded many prestigious international awards in the fields of Mental Health and Human Rights. GCMHP works within strategic plans which are developed on a regular basis according to the needs of the community. We believe in the values of integrity, transparency, social responsibility, good governance and respect for human rights. The Programme has an executive administration which implements action plans and is held accountable before the Board of Directors. The latter is part of the General Assembly of the programme which consists of thirty five members from various professional and social backgrounds.
Vision
Gaza Community Mental Health Programme is a leading organisation in the fields of mental health and human rights in Palestine.
Mission
GCMHP promotes and delivers trauma-informed mental health services to the Palestinian community in the Gaza Strip, mitigating collective trauma and fostering healing and resilience, ensuring comprehensive support for all.
Strategic Goals
1 - Mitigate the psychological consequences of trauma among the population in the Gaza Strip.
2 - Mainstream the 'leave no one behind' principle by ensuring accessibility of the highly vulnerable groups to the services needed.
3 - Strengthen the MHPSS sector through Integrating trauma-informed approaches tailored to the Palestinian context.
4 - Enhance GCMHP’s capacity and best practices.
1-Underlying core principles and values
Human Rights, Equity and Gender
Respect for human rights, providing mental health support to victims of human rights violations, advocating the right to mental health. Enhancing equal access – for women and men, boys and girls – across The Gaza Strip so that all people’s mental health needs are met.
Social responsibility
Equitable access to mental health services through accessing networks and awareness materials, encouraging referral for those in need of mental health support. A special emphasis is placed on reaching out to the most vulnerable including persons living with a disability or suffering from high levels of trauma. A flexible response approach ensuring marginalised groups, areas impacted by new eruptions of violence, or emerging and urgent needs can be responded to.
Ethics and Do No Harm
Commitment to professional ethics and respect for the privacy of the target groups under the care of GCMHP. Case files are kept strictly confidential and not disclosed without the consent of the client (patient) and/or family. Being mindful that actions and services respond to assessed needs, and placing physical, social, emotional, and mental wellbeing at the centre of the care provided.
Independence and non-political affiliation
GCMHP is a non-political, independent organisation. It is not influenced by political parties or ideologies. Mental health care is provided solely on the basis of need, without discrimination or preference.
2-Strategic organisational values
Good governance
Committed to organisational efficiency, building on available resources and capacities of the organisation. Optimum use of its available resources to provide effective services delivery. Accountability to the financial supporters, donor agencies, and communities it serves.
Professionalism
A professional, credible, and reputable organisation delivering its services based on international standards and evidence-based research. Multi-layered and integrated services and support are provided and are tailored to the needs of the persons requiring support.
Board of Directors
Dr Eyad El-Saraj
Founder of Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
Mr. Abed Al-karim Ashour
Chairman
Mr. Abd Al Nasser El-Sarraj
Secretary of the Board of Directors
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Mrs. Maha Al-Taweel
Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Mr. Amjad Shawa
Deputy Chairman
Mrs. Nabegha Abu Shahla
Member of the Board of Directors
Mr. Shihada Al-Ebweini
Member of the Board of Directors
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Mr. Haitham Abu Shaaban
Member of the Board of Directors
Staff
Dr. Yasser Abu-Jamei
Director General
Yasser Abu-Jamei is a Palestinian psychiatrist who has been heading the Gaza Com ...Read More
Mrs. Rawya Hammam
Director of the Training and Research Department
A mental health specialist with degrees from different universities and institut ...Read More
Mr. Osama Friena
Director of Khan Younis Community Center
Director of the Khan Younis Community Mental Health Center and a highly experien ...Read More
Dr. Amal Abu Obada
Director of Community Centers
A board-certified psychiatrist and the Director of Community Centers at the Gaza ...Read More
Dr. Nour Hassan
Director of Gaza Community Center
Psychiatrist, Director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Center, and Coordinat ...Read More
Mrs. Inas Jouda
Head of Academic and Professional Programs
Enas Jouda is a psychotherapist and mental health specialist with over 20 years ...Read More
Mrs. Rana Ayyad
Head of Administrative Affairs and Human Resources Unit
Rana D. Ayyad, Head of Administrative Affairs and Human Resources Unit in Gaza C ...Read More
Mrs. Samah Mahmoud
Director of Deir Al-Balah Community Center
A Mental Health Professional holding a Higher Diploma in Mental Health and curre ...Read More
Ms. Islam Olwan
Head of Finance and Accounts Unit
Worked in senior positions of Finance in a number of leading social service org ...Read More
Mrs. Marwa Al-Sairafi
Head of the Training Unit
The Head of the Training Unit at the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCM ...Read More
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