Step Forward

ntoring and monitoring that we are providing to beneficiaries in post-hospital phase will allow their skills and capacities to be enhanced, thus allowing a better quality of life.
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Why Step Forward? According to WHO-AIMS report on mental health systems in Lebanon, using the World Health Organization - Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS), there are no post-hospital day treatment facilities and/or groups available in the country, as well as a total absence of support groups who can facilitate beneficiaries' re-integration into a normal, stable social and professional life. According to a report done by the International Medical Corps (IMC) by Colin Lee, an estimated 17% of Lebanon’s population suffers from mental health problems, yet almost 90% have no access to treatment. The current state of mental health system in Lebanon is causing mental health patients to become subject to discrimination, exclusion from society, isolation and exploitation - as well as becoming at risk of substance abuse, lack of education due to drop out of the education systems and lack of professional interest and disorientation. Going from the actual challenges, Step Forward was established to support and empower beneficiaries' well-being, to prevent their exclusion and to facilitate their social and professional re-integration.
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5-Work Approach

Our discipline resides on psycho-social and psycho-educational approach, translated into a social and professional companionship focused on empowering and enabling beneficiaries’ self-care and self-growth. Our multidisciplinary practice helps beneficiaries identify and achieve personal and professional goals by assessing and addressing designed personal care packages based on individual needs and expectations, and always with the consent of the beneficiaries.
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6-Target public

Step Forward addresses its services to individuals suffering from personal challenges, and/or are suffering from mental health disorders stabilized under medication and who could benefit from social, educational and professional follow-up to improve their quality of life. Catered services are also offered to the caregivers who would benefit from guidance and consultancy to acquire best practices and quality info that would enable them to support and motivate the person at hand. Within our intervention scope, we work on coordinating with non-governmental organizations and specialized schools working in the mental health field in order to exchange experiences and knowledge, as well as developing projects to serve mutual goals and create an impact on a larger scale. Furthermore, we work on establishing partnerships and/or coordinating with hospitals’ psychiatry departments and independent practitioners (psychologists and psychiatrists) to complement their clinical intervention in post-hospital stage. Finally, Step Forward tackles the general public to raise awareness on mental health related subjects, and promote acceptance, respect and safe re-integration of people with specific mental health needs.
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7-The team

Our team consists of psycho-social and educational background professionals:

-A Coordinator who is in charge of managing the staff, programs and services of Step Forward, monitoring beneficiaries' progress with the concerned staff and reporting to both medical team and caregivers.

- A specialized educator in charge of setting and implementing accurate and specific coaching programs with medical teams, caregivers and beneficiaries.

- A supervisor who supervises team members by reviewing the set action plans, technical issues and progress of beneficiaries.

- In close relevance to each setting and assessment of needs, other professionals may be involved in the program.
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8-Location

Step Forward’s activities takes place in the community outdoors to help beneficiaries connect with their environment and surroundings: outdoor activities boost self-confidence and motivation, help reduce social isolation, depression, loneliness, anxiety and stress, and prevent health problems such as heart disease and obesity. Indoor activities are also implemented in our space when it comes to group sessions and providing technical and educational workshops. We are located in Saifi Village.
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9- Services and fees

Activities and services are selected jointly by medical teams, coaches, caregivers and beneficiaries. No activity is to be implemented without the approval and understanding of all involved actors. Based on each beneficiary's needs, activities and services will be selected and incorporated in a program. Activities and services are divided as following:

1-M&M: M&M are 4 mandatory sessions that consist of weekly follow-up on the beneficiary’s progress (1 M&M per week). Additional sessions can be scheduled throughout the month upon the beneficiary’s needs.

2-Capacity Building Program (CBP): The capacity building program targets the professional, personal and intellectual development of the client. The CBP consists of focused skills development (communication skills, budget management, etc.) business orientation (writing a CV, apply for a job, behavior in working space, etc,) and personal growth (self-support, housing organization, etc.)

3-Recreational Session: The recreational sessions are weekly outings that can vary from a workout to a social event. These sessions help fight isolation, decrease risks of depression, boost morale, stimulate motivation, reduce stress, acquire healthy lifestyle habits, and initiate social interaction.
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10- How to reach us ? By phone: 03 12 6675
By email: [email protected]
By Skype: stepforwardlb
www.stepforwardlb.org