HI has helped 1,000 families in Lebanon since the blast

The explosion in Beirut on 4th August 2020 traumatised an entire population. In the six months since the blast, Humanity & Inclusion has helped almost 1,000 families.

Disabled Ramadan Haj, 23, and his mother Houriya, from Aleppo, live in Beirut, near the location of the explosion - August 2020. | © Tom Nicholson / HI

Since August, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) and its local partner Mousawat conducted door-to-door home visits in Al Basta and Carantina in Lebanon; two areas which were devastated by the effects of the Beirut blast. HI has been able to provide psychological first aid and rehabilitation support to people in these areas. In addtion, HI has adapted its activities to Covid-19.

How psychological first aid works?

Humanity & Inclusion has a team of 20 people providing in-home psychological first aid. Each time members of the team visit someone’s home, they encourage people to talk about their personal situation. 'Psychological first aid' involves listening to people, acknowledging their experiences, and adopting a kind and attentive attitude to their distress.

The team also normalizes situations or reactions. For example, if a person explains that he or she feels too anxious to leave home, the psychologist will reply that this is normal, and many people react the same way. This can help relieve stress. Since August, HI team have conducted more than 1,500 psychological first aid sessions.

Providing rehabilitation

Almost 350 people who have been physically injured received rehabilitation services from HI and partners. More than 250 caregivers were trained on how to help support their relatives living with injuries or disabilities.

HI also distributed 170 assistive devices, including 34 mobility assistive devices like wheelchairs, canes, and walkers, as well as non- mobility assistive devices like urinary bags, short-term catheters, gel cushions and toilet chairs.

In addition, 100 wound kits were distributed by HI and its partners to people who need to care for less serious injuries, but do not require a hospital visit.

Adapting activities to Covid-19

The teams also help to identify the needs and priorities of the victims and guide them to appropriate services or associations to support them. More than 350 people were referred to other services mainly for food, shelter, cash, and medical assistance.

193 households benefitted from 720 hygiene & dignity kits (including diaper and hygienic towels.)

Everyone was provided with awareness prevention messages about COVID-19.

Date published: 03/02/21