In this update, find:

• The project’s latest updates and next steps

• A report from Ahmed Frenah, our psychologist, on his recent lecture in Foggia, Italy

• Current status of funds

• Other ways to get involved

Project updates & next steps

Testimonies: Our partners on the ground in Gaza have begun collecting testimonies from children formerly detained in occupation prisons.

Mental health activities: The psychological program is still on pause, due to the political situation on the ground and particular nuances to ensuring the children’s safety. Once the political situation in Gaza improves, we anticipate renting a space to facilitate the activities.

Internships: Instead, the volunteers collecting the testimonies will also be asking each child about their interest in three internships that we will facilitate: theatre, filmmaking, or radio/podcast presenting. These internships focus on media as a means for the children’s self-empowerment and ownership of their stories, instead of others speaking for them, as well as building essential communication skills and expression.

Film: The film is almost in its final edits. We expect to review a draft of the film in the next two weeks.

Report from Ahmed Frenah

On 28 May, I delivered a lecture on the psychological impact of trauma and contemporary approaches to trauma treatment. The presentation explored the limitations of traditional therapeutic methods and introduced advanced trauma-informed protocols that focus on deeper and more comprehensive recovery processes.

As part of the lecture, I presented the case of children in Gaza who were released after prolonged periods of detention, highlighting the severe psychological consequences of captivity, chronic stress, and traumatic experiences. I also introduced the Heal Minds Gaza project, which is currently being implemented to support these children through an integrated approach aimed at strengthening resilience, promoting psychological well-being, and contributing to the development of a healthy and balanced personality.

The lecture was organized at the invitation of Project Allegria and ASD Corpo Libero. The event brought together a number of academics, mental health professionals, and specialists from different fields. A dynamic and open discussion followed the presentation, focusing on the effectiveness of psychological interventions in contexts of war, displacement, and prolonged trauma.

Participants expressed particular interest in the role of art therapy as an evidence-based intervention. I shared my professional experience in integrating art, psychology, and neuroscience, drawing on the work and research of Juliet King, whose contributions have demonstrated how creative processes can facilitate trauma recovery and neuropsychological healing. This interdisciplinary perspective generated significant engagement and reinforced the value of combining artistic expression with clinical practice.

The discussion concluded with a strong consensus regarding the importance of providing specialized psychological support for children who have experienced detention and other forms of severe trauma. Participants highly appreciated the efforts being made through the Heal Minds Gaza project and expressed their willingness to collaborate by offering psychological consultations, professional expertise, and supportive services for affected children and their families.

Status of funds (as of 21 June)

Expenses:

• 8 June: £2,045.65 ($2,635) - $1,500 for 30 testimonies (transportation & labor), $600 for coordination (collecting testimonies, assembling them, administering recovery kits), $300 (emergency cover)

Campaign status:

• Raised on Chuffed: £10,343

• After Chuffed/PayPal fees: £10,024

• Pending from Stripe: £25.63

• Spent: £3,377

• Balance: £6,647

Other ways to get involved

Help us publish the testimonies: We’re still looking for an Arabic-to-Italian translator; a book cover/interior designer; and book printers in the UK and Italy. Please reach out here: healmindsgaza@protonmail.com.

Learn: We’ve updated our resource with the latest articles, podcasts, and videos covering the cause of the Palestinian prisoners.

More: You can find all of the project’s links and transparency information on our LinkTree. Questions or ideas? Email us any time at healmindsgaza@protonmail.com.