Community Development Authority organises discussion panel on community mental health

As part of various initiatives to achieve its strategic objectives for the social sector, the “Vulnerable Groups Department“ at the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai recently organised a discussion panel on community mental health. The initiative is part of CDA’s commitment to provide high quality social care services.

The panel reviewed the current status of mental health services and focused on developing programmes in community services, policies for mental health, awareness and advocacy, capacity building, and licensing and regulation. Mental health experts including participants from academic institutions, healthcare practitioners, researchers, a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, nurses, physicians and social workers attended the seminar.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Butti Al Maktoum, CEO – Social Care at CDA said: “CDA plays a vital role in social protection and local community development by establishing an integrated social system. This is to enable all members of the Dubai community to positively contribute to various development sectors and strengthen social relations. The seminar is an essential step in establishing stronger linkages between CDA and other concerned government departments to achieve the goals of social integration outlined by CDA”.

During the seminar, Dr. Hussain Ali Maseeh, Social Care expert at CDA, highlighted CDA’s role in achieving the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 in the social sector, and also in assuring the welfare of all segments of the society. “The community mental health discussion panel comes in the framework of organizing programmes and seminars that serve all society members intellectually, physically and socially. At the seminar, we discussed strengthening co-operation between CDA and Dubai Health Authority, academics and community providers in Dubai for the interests of all segments in society.”

The “Vulnerable Groups Department” at CDA will organise discussion panels that focus on developing social care programs for other groups through co-ordinating with governmental organizations and NGOs in Dubai.