About
PTC(UK) is run entirely by volunteers. All donations go towards travel and training expenses. We do not support any political or religious group, but seek to help relieve trauma. Our UK group is based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
PTC (UK) VISITS PTC (GAZA) 29th DECEMBER 2011 – 4th JANUARY 2012
The Focusing team introduced the first stage of Using Focusing for Yourself as a process for training the PTC(Gaza) mental health workers to pass on skills to adults and children who will then work in their families to sustain reslience and cope with trauma.
The training involved 21 people from different organisations in Gaza, like Mercycorps, Caza Community Mental Health Programme, Catholic Relief Services and the Ministry of Education. The four PTC(UK) trainers were Jerry, Mohamed, Mary and Lina. Click here for a brief introduction to the training.
The social and family workers at the centre used teddies made by a volunteer group in the UK. This activity helped the children into a Focusing process. For some details, click here.
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PREVIOUS VISITS TO PTC(Gaza).
Gaza is under siege. How were therapists from the UK going to reach Palestine Trauma Centre? An attempt was made through Egypt in January 2010. One therapist, Peter Offord, got through. (Click here to see report) .
Caught up in the Gaza Freedom March assembling in Cairo, Andrew Enever (PTC(UK) Training Co-Ordinator) was prevented from leaving the city. David Harrold (Chair of Trustees) got as far as Suez and then police took him back to Cairo.
VISIT FROM 28th DECEMBER 2010 TO 3rd JANUARY 2011
A PTC(UK) team tried again in December. This time Andrew, David and also Mohamed Altawil (+ fox costume! See below) reached PTC(Gaza) on 28th December 2010 and stayed until 3rd January 2011. There were long delays at the Rafah border going into Gaza and coming out. The welcome inside Gaza was great and everyone gained a lot from this extended contact between PTC(Gaza) and PTC(UK).
Because of the administrative/political split between Gaza and the West Bank, there is no unified national plan for mental health services. The need for a national training institution for mental health services is acknowledged, but cannot be organised. This means that training opportunities provided through PTC(Gaza) and PTC(UK) are enormously valuable.
On a social and recreational level, a lot is being achieved for thousands of children. However, clinics are failing to cope with all the more serious mental health disorders. After the 2009 invasion, many patients were misdiagnosed – inevitably, in the panic to bring quick relief to hundreds. Care providers have become exhausted and ongoing support is rarely available. Support for the deliverers of care is urgently needed.
