Psychological First Aid: Supporting Over 700 Displaced Individuals in Displacement Camps

Aiming to support the displaced community amidst the ongoing devastating war, the Social Developmental Forum (SDF) has launched a series of Psychological First-Aid (PFA) sessions for displaced individuals in displacement camps established by the SDF in recent months. PFA sessions have been conducted in two locations: the middle area and Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, targeting children, adolescents, women, and people with disabilities—prioritized by SDF due to their high level of vulnerability. 12 participants from the target groups participated in each session, organized into smaller, age-respected groups that participated in three psychological First-Aid sessions.

Young-Facilitated Sessions

The sessions were led by five young facilitators, who have been selected through a competitive interview panel conducted by specialists. The young professionals received an extensive orientation to maximize their support efforts during the sessions.

Initially, I thought that PFA is all about venting through sharing. But after undergoing multiple training sessions and learning how to deliver support to people, my perspective changed, I’ve come to understand and recognize the distinction and impact of PFA.

Rayan Rayan, facilitator

The primary goal of these sessions is to alleviate stress. The team focused on this critical goal to mitigate the challenging socio-economic conditions of displaced individuals. More than 750 IDPs are expected to participate in these sessions; we started in late September and are set to continue through December to ensure comprehensive support for all targeted groups.

In parallel Efforts Across Multiple Tracks

SDF adopts a multilateral approach. Initially, the team provided tents and essential shelter supplies to hundreds of displaced individuals. In parallel, we prioritized psychological first aid to help displaced individuals cope with the current situation.

Project Manager Walaa Karaja 

While they are not sufficient to address the long-term impacts of over a year of war, Karaja emphasized the critical importance of these sessions; “They are a vital step that requires collective and intensified efforts to enhance wellbeing” he says. 

Children need special attention and support. As a facilitator, I’ve realized that every child has a story that must be heard to heal the wounds and tensions they have been enduring. Each session reminds me that PFA isn’t just about tools or guidance—it’s a message of love and care. These children embrace strength and courage. They don’t have a pressing temporary issue, but a long-term one, which needs a lot of support, care, and love.

Khalil Fajhan, young facilitator

The big picture

These sessions are part of an emergency response project implemented by the Social Developmental Forum in partnership with ShelterBox, aimed at providing various relief services, most notably essential shelter-related needs. Since the onset of the Israeli war on October 2023, SDF has launched a national emergency response program “Together For Palestine”, which includes comprehensive need-oriented projects tailored to support Palestinians’ resilience during the ongoing war.