ICAS MENA Launches Mental Health And Wellbeing Assistance Programme To Support Students And School Workforce

ICAS Middle East, the region's foremost provider of mental health and wellbeing services, underlines the need to address the student and teacher mental health crisis by launching student and school workforce assistance programmes, providing specialised interventions for students, and supporting school employees mental health and wellbeing. The program offers a range of options, including unlimited and confidential access to a 24/7/365 helpline answered by a psychologist, counselling, and an online wellbeing hub with live chat.

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds, according to the World Health Organization. In addition, anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.

Students simultaneously juggle academic responsibilities, work, family commitments, and financial pressures when attending college or university. The situation is particularly problematic for returning undergraduate and graduate students. ICAS Student Assistance Programmes provides students with the tools and support to succeed.

New labour law in the UAE now allows youth aged 15 and older to take on part-time jobs. This program is therefore vital.

Also, several studies indicate that teachers have a mental health crisis similar to students without requisite support. With longer work hours, more difficulties engaging students remotely, and frequent pivots between hybrid, remote, and in-person instruction, teachers' jobs, already stressful before the pandemic, are even more challenging.

"Educators' wellbeing is closely related to students' achievement and school's stability, and this holds for students' wellbeing as well. ICAS MENA is delighted to introduce this mental health and wellbeing assistance programme for students and the school workforce. We strive to create a holistic approach to health that encompasses cognitive, emotional, spiritual, physical, financial and social wellbeing," said Paul Firth, Founder and Managing Director, ICAS MENA.

Through the helpline, learners, teachers, and staff can get the support they need to manage mental and psychological distress. The hotline will be answered by master-level counsellors and psychologists trained to conduct biopsychosocial evaluations. If necessary, schedule further counselling with mental health experts, lawyers, financial advisers, nutritionists, fitness trainers, or life coaches. The helpline offers five languages: English, Arabic, French, Urdu and Hindi.

The ICAS Wellbeing Hub provides users with lifestyle resources and information on various mental health issues and allows them to communicate with a psychologist via messaging. As a result, students and teachers can get immediate help when they need it.

"Failure to address adolescent mental health conditions can adversely affect both physical and mental health, as well as limited opportunities for adult fulfilment. And putting wellbeing at the heart of education as a means to recovery will help build a community where staff feel validated, seen and heard. As a result, a culture for resilience will be created, where individuals will have the ability to recognise and regulate their emotions, and further develop the ability to cope with future life and work challenges," said Nerry Toledo, Client Services and Development, ICAS MENA.

A culture of wellbeing within the education community helps build positive social norms and behaviours between leaders, school staff, teachers and educators and embeds a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Students and school employees can access mental health and wellbeing support for as little as AED 8/month (less than the cost of a cup of coffee). Unlimited confidential access to a trained mental health professional 24/7, a psychologist, lawyer, independent financial advisor, dietitian, nutritionist, fitness coach, or a life coach on life and professional issues such as stress, time management, managing finances, relationships, parenting, divorce, tenancy issues, childcare, and all aspects of life and work.

For more information, please visit the ICAS MENA website or contact nerry.toledo@icasworld.com