The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has organised a youth circle titled “Youth and the future of mental health” to enhance and spread the best experiences and practices in mental health and deliver positive messages that help boost the mental health of youth and their role in sustainable development and future march
The circle discussed ways and future march
It highlighted the positive impact of youth councils' constant communication in launching mental health initiatives based on the creative ideas of youth. This would help enhance youth community engagement and elevate their capabilities to assume responsibilities in leading the society and contribute to its welfare and sustainability, in accordance with the future directions of the country.
Held at Al Rasheed Hall at Sharjah's House of Wisdom, the youth circle was attended by a number of officials and employees from the medical services sector in the Mental Health Department, in addition to 20 youth.
The event aims to empower young people to propose future initiatives and activities to promote mental health in the areas of promotion, prevention, comprehensive and integrated services, and digital mental health, as well as to explore the views of young people about mental health services that must be provided to respond to their needs.
Pioneers of the future
Dr Yousef Mohammed Al Serkal, director-general, EHS, hailed the efforts of the EHS Youth in organising panel discussions to discuss vital topics of interest to various groups of society.
Al Serkal underscored that the EHS prioritises the youth category in its mental health programmes and works hand in hand with relevant government bodies to carry out comprehensive and integrated programmes to enhance the mental health of young people.
This comes in line with the directives of the wise leadership on the importance of empowering young people to be pioneers in building the future of the UAE in various sectors, he concluded.
Youth and digital mental health
Dr Noor Al Muhairi, director of mental health department, EHS, highlighted the importance of the youth circle especially at this time when the world is facing the pandemic repercussions.
She added that the discussions focused on promoting mental health, preventing mental disorders, understanding their symptoms, and providing integrated mental health services and digital mental health. A special emphasis was made on the quality of services that must be provided to respond to the psychological needs of young people.
A debate was also held on "Youth Mental Health and Digital Technology" and a brainstorming session to come up with solutions, recommendations, and supporting initiatives.
