Turkish Red Crescent Collaborates with Sector Representatives to Advance Mental Health Initiatives

The "Turkish Red Crescent Health and Psychosocial Support Sector Meeting," organized by the Turkish Red Crescent Istanbul Anatolian Side Community Center and the Istanbul European Side MHPSS Program, took place on Sept. 5 in Cemile Sultan Grove. The meeting brought together important institutions and organizations operating in the field of mental health in Istanbul.

Among the attendees were non-governmental organizations (NGOs) active in this field, along with the World Academy of Local Government and Democracy Foundation (WALD). Participants shared their opinions to enhance cooperation and interaction within the sector by discussing their institutions' services and activities related to mental health.

The program emphasized the importance of preventive mental health measures for at-risk groups, particularly children, young people, the elderly, and those exposed to disasters. It stressed that these measures can be more effectively implemented through inter-institutional cooperation and guidance.

Furthermore, experts participating in the program conducted a comprehensive examination of the services provided by institutions dedicated to community mental health. They evaluated ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these services.

The plan is to establish a cooperation platform among institutions offering mental health services in Istanbul, aiming to better coordinate services and provide improved responses to the needs of society. The collaboration among participating institutions is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of mental health services in Istanbul.