Social Services NewsFeed

UoBD Launches Social Care Professional Program

The University of Dubai (UoBD) has launched a professional development program for social care professionals in Dubai. The program aims to empower professionals by providing them with globally informed, evidence-based practice in areas such as relational and compassionate practice, risk assessment and management, and trauma-informed approaches. The program will also focus on developing skills like active listening and authentic communication to foster trust, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Dr Anthony Murphy, Associate Professor and Director of Psychology Programmes at UoBD, said the program is designed in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA) and involves other key entities within the region to ensure global and evidence-based practice are at the forefront of their work. The program will be open to all individuals who work in tandem with the CDA in a social care professional role and will provide candidates with extensive opportunities for engaging with technology, as well as interactive in-person content.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/education/dubai-learn-compassion-risk-management-in-new-programme-for-care-workers-at-university

Health Net Offers Crisis Support Hotline 24/7

Health Net Behavioral Health provides crisis support services 24/7 through a hotline at 1-800-675-6110 (TTY: 711) and offers video medical appointments for members who cannot reach their primary care provider during an emergency. Members can access telehealth services by referring to their ID card or registering on HealthNet.com. Health Net, a company of Centene Corporation, provides health plans for individuals, families, businesses, and those eligible for Medi-Cal or Medicare, serving over 3 million members across California with more than 90,000 network providers. The company offers various services including substance abuse programs, behavioral health services, employee assistance programs, and managed healthcare products related to prescription drugs through its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company, and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-net-providing-special-assistance-to-members-affected-by-bird-flu-throughout-california-302335614.html

Madison Supports Abundant Life Community Services

The City of Madison has established a resource page for families in the Abundant Life community, which includes counseling and support services. The page also provides information on how the public can help. All proceeds from donations will go directly to ALCS.

https://www.scrippsnews.com/community-mourns-the-loss-of-14-year-old-student-killed-in-madison-school-shooting

Nicasa's Frontline Care Center Opens in Round Lake

Bruce Johnson, CEO of Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, unveiled the Frontline Care Center in Round Lake, a facility designed to provide mental health services specifically for first responders and members of the armed forces. The center was conceived by Fire Chief Greg Formica as a place where those who often put others' needs before their own can feel comfortable seeking help without stigma. Johnson described the center's mission as providing impactful, innovative care that can be life-changing for its clients. Local officials, including Lake County Board member John Wasik, praised the initiative as a "place of compassion and healing" for everyday heroes who often put themselves at risk to serve others.

https://www.dailyherald.com/20241209/news/its-a-space-for-you-frontline-care-center-offers-mental-health-services-to-first-responders-and/

Spring ISD Supports Families After Apartment Fire

Spring ISD officials are providing support to families affected by a recent apartment fire in the district, with Jerlene Gibbs, the district's Mental Health and SEO Coordinator, stating that they may send social workers and staff to assist those in need. The community has also shown its support by bringing coffee and food to the impacted families.

https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/families-displaced-spring-apartment-fire/285-8b6aa414-c633-4eff-8e5b-8d2efc266d4d

HealthServe Trains 1,300 Migrant Leaders in Singapore

HealthServe, a local charity for migrant workers, has trained over 1,300 migrant workers in Singapore to become peer support leaders. These leaders are equipped to identify signs of mental illness among their peers and provide initial support. In addition to this initiative, HealthServe also operates a 24-hour crisis hotline that offers on-the-ground mental health support to migrant workers.

https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/local-charity-healthserve-trains-migrant-workers-provide-mental-health-support-peers-4794451

Mommy's Heart Gala Brings Joy to NYC Kids

Mommy's Heart, a non-profit organization that provides legal and mental health services to domestic abuse survivors, hosted a Holiday Celebration and Toy Drive in collaboration with Gallery Chang and Something Sweet Gallery Cafe. The event, held at the gallery owned by CEO Ara Cho, brought together community members including Countess Joycelyn Engle Di Palma and Executive Director Julianne Michelle of Mommy's Heart. Guests enjoyed wine and treats while donating toys to benefit children served by Sanctuary for Families, New York's leading service provider for survivors of domestic violence. The event highlighted the community's commitment to supporting vulnerable children during the holiday season.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mommys-heart-hosts-heartwarming-holiday-celebration-and-toy-drive-at-gallery-chang-to-support-sanctuary-for-families-302319299.html

Rosa's Crisis Center Sees 8800 Distress Calls

In the European Union, one in three women have experienced partner violence at some point in their lifetime, according to research. The issue is widespread across the region and requires specialized assistance, as stated by Rosa, who operates a free hotline through her crisis center. Since its opening in June 2022, the center has received over 8,800 calls, chats, and emails from victims seeking support, with one available at 800 60 50 80.

https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/get-free-english-friendly-help-24-7-czechia-launches-domestic-violence-hotline