Featured Article: Enhancing Mental Health Well-Being for Overseas Workers in Muscat, Oman through Collaborative Training

Manila, Philippines, August 2, 2024 - A collaborative partnership has been forged between the Mental Health First Response (MHFR) program, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), MWO - Assistance to Nationals (ATN), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Muscat, Oman, in a significant step towards promoting mental health awareness and support among overseas workers. This initiative underscores the commitment of these organizations to enhance the mental health and well-being of office workers and improve their skills in mental health prevention and intervention.

Empowering Office Workers through MHFR Basic Training

The collaboration saw the successful implementation of the MHFR Basic training program on June 29 and July 6, 2024. The training aimed to equip the MWO-OWWA and MWO-ATN staff with essential psychological counseling and protection skills, enhancing their ability to support the mental health needs of overseas workers in Muscat, Oman. The training sessions were meticulously designed to cover various topics, including crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and effective communication strategies.

Key Training Facilitators

The MHFR team, comprising Ms. Amy Monta?o, Contessa "Tess" Camay, Jeremy Evangelio, and Dr. Art Tolentino, played a pivotal role in delivering the training. Their expertise and dedication ensured that the participants received comprehensive and practical knowledge, which they could immediately apply in their roles. The training was tailored to address the unique challenges the MWO-OWWA and MWO-ATN staff faced, providing them with the tools necessary to effectively identify and manage mental health issues among overseas workers.

Leadership and Support

Under the leadership of Attorney Gregorio Abalos, the Labor Attache of the Muscat, Oman MWO-OWWA and MWO-ATN office has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the well-being of overseas workers. Attorney Abalos's support for the MHFR training initiative highlights the office's proactive approach to mental health, ensuring that staff members are well-prepared to handle the psychological needs of the migrant workers they serve.

Training Debriefing and Outcomes

The training program culminated in a debriefing session held on August 2, 2024. This session provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their learning experiences, discuss challenges, and share success stories. The debriefing underscored the transformative impact of the MHFR training, with many staff members reporting increased confidence in their ability to provide mental health support.

During the debriefing, Attorney Gregorio Abalos remarked, "It gave me a paradigm shift in my thinking in terms of providing services and conversing with the migrant workers." His comment highlights the profound impact the training has had on changing perspectives and improving service delivery. Another staff member, Ms. Janet Hernandez, shared her thoughts: "It equipped us to handle difficult situations with care," emphasizing the practical benefits and enhanced capabilities resulting from the training.

The debriefing also served as a platform to explore further areas for development and continuous improvement in mental health intervention strategies.

Enhancing Mental Health Support and Protection

As a result of the training, the MWO-OWWA and MWO-ATN staff have significantly enhanced their psychological counseling capabilities. They are better equipped to offer immediate and effective mental health support, ensuring that overseas workers receive the care and protection they need. This training initiative has not only improved the skills of the office workers but also reinforced the importance of mental health awareness within the community.

Training Sessions: Day 1 and 2. June 29, 2024 and July 6, 2024

Looking Ahead

The success of this collaborative effort between MHFR, MWO-ATN, and MWO-OWWA in Muscat, Oman, sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of overseas workers. By continuing to invest in mental health training and support, these organizations are paving the way for a more resilient and mentally healthy workforce.

In conclusion, the MHFR Basic training conducted in Muscat, Oman, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance mental health support for overseas workers. The collaboration between MHFR, MWO-ATN, and MWO-OWWA, under the leadership of Attorney Gregorio Abalos, has ensured that the staff is well-equipped to provide the necessary psychological counseling and protection. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of collaboration in promoting mental health and well-being, ultimately benefiting the entire overseas worker community.

Reference:

Tolentino, A., Monta?o, A., Camay, C., Evangelio, AJ., Abalos, G., & Muscat, Oman MWO-ATN and MWO-OWWA (2024, August 2). Mental Health First Response: Basic Training, Muscat Oman.