Update: supporting those impacted by the war and violence in Israel and Gaza

As the regional lead for public mental health across London’s health and social care partnership, Thrive LDN supports crisis response and recovery capabilities to support London communities impacted by sudden events.

Deepening our understanding of the mental health impact of geo-political and international humanitarian crises and responding to needs of diaspora and affected communities in London is an important part of the work we do.

Since the beginning of the year, Thrive LDN has been working with communities in London impacted by the war and violence in Israel and Gaza to understand where mental health and wellbeing support would be most effective.

The war has had an undeniable impact on the mental health, stress and anxiety of affected communities in London and many have struggled with complex feelings in response.

We have engaged with and spoken to organisations and representatives from London’s Jewish, Israeli, Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities. The insights gathered has helped us to step up meaningful and community led support, in collaboration with the Greater London Authority.

Ultimately, we have approached this work in the spirit of offering support and continue to acknowledge communities themselves are the experts in understanding their own needs and what would be most helpful.

Support for Jewish communities in London

Jami (part of Jewish Care) is a mental health service based in the Jewish community. In response to the 7th October attacks, Jami delivered a series of psycho-educational workshops for communities and organisations in London to help people make sense of their feelings.

During the insights gathering work carried out by Thrive LDN with the London Jewish Forum (LJF) and London Jewish Health Partnership (LJHP) and other Jewish and Israeli representatives, Jami were identified as a key partner for the response. Building on the workshops, Jami has developed a series of short videos and accompanying downloadable information booklet to support those in London’s Jewish communities process and understand feelings at this time.

The resources offer practical tips and advice to notice and acknowledge psychological responses and help deal with stress, as well as supporting others in the community. The development of the resources has been led by Jami’s senior mental health education and suicide prevention manager, Philippa Carr, in conversation with clinical psychologist, Dr Stuart Linke. With thanks to the LJF and LJHP who have supported the development and creation of the booklet and the accompanying films.

The resources can be accessed on Jami’s website.

Support for Palestinian and wider Arab communities in London

During initial insights gathering work with community partners, it was identified that further work to understand the mental health needs of Palestinian and wider Arab communities in London impacted by the war was required.

The British Palestinian Committee is currently carrying out a civic needs assessment with those from the community to identify and gain a better understanding of these needs, which includes mental health. Separately, Thrive LDN and the GLA are continuing to engage with community partners and organisations supporting Palestinian and wider Arab communities in London to determine the most effective options for support for these communities.

This work is ongoing and any options for support will be determined by these communities. Further updates on this work will be added to this page and shared through other relevant channels in due course.

Further support

If you’re struggling with everything that is going on right now, remember – there is help available. You’re not alone.

Support and help is available from the following listening and online services outlined below. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list nor bespoke resources in relation to the war in Israel and Gaza. However, they may provide helpful immediate support options for affected communities.

Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night, call 116 123.

Shout’s 24/7 crisis text support is there when you need immediate assistance, text “SHOUT” to 85258 to start a conversation.

Mind’s support line is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, call 0300 102 1234.

Urgent mental health support from NHS 111.

Mental health workbooks and supporting videos developed by Good Thinking, London’s digital wellbeing service, and expert advisors – including coping with trauma, coping with trauma videos, sleep, and panic.

Wellbeing guidance available in 36 community languages from Doctors of the World – including Arabic.

Five ways to good mental wellbeing & Islam – includes translated and printable versions, including in Arabic.

Inspirited Minds is a mental health charity raising awareness and providing faith-based and culturally sensitive support. Although Inspirited Minds works predominantly with those from an Islamic faith, they do not disregard any persons of differing backgrounds.

Five ways to good mental wellbeing & Judaism – includes numerous references to Jami, the specialist provider of mental health services for the Jewish community, and the Head Room café which is run by Jami.

Bereavement guides and resources on Good Thinking – including a guide on providing culturally sensitive bereavement support and faith-based bereavement resources.