Aussie raising awareness with Avnei Chein
Avnei Chein supports individuals and families so no one faces a mental health crisis alone.
When Rachael S made aliyah to Israel from Melbourne in 2020 she was shocked at how difficult it was for Israelis to access mental health support and the stigma that still surrounded it. “I witnessed the notorious bureaucratic process and hoops needing to be jumped to access vital mental health support. The confusing and overwhelming systems currently in place, leaves huge gaps in mental health support here in Israel,” she told The AJN.
Fast-forward to post-October 7 2023 where the need for mental health support has grown substantially in Israel, as the nation is still traumatised from Hamas’s brutal attack, the hostages still in captivity, those injured, soldiers and their families who have faced hardships and rocket attacks that continue to terrify.
Rachel knows about these challenges firsthand. Her husband is serving in the Israeli army fighting Hamas in Gaza and for many months he is away while she works and looks after their young children.
“Since October 7 it’s becoming more normalised to talk about mental health challenges … almost the whole country is paralysed with fear at certain stages.”
This year Rachel started working at Avnei Chein, which aims to make it easier for Israelis to have mental health support. “Our vision is clear, our goal is achievable and most of all, our determination to make mental health support available, is unbreakable,” she said.
“Avnei Chein exists purely for those in need. The founders work in the capacity of volunteers and don’t take a cent from the organisation. The work that the case managers do to make sure that every single person who reaches out is answered is incredible. Our support line is manned 24/6 by volunteers.”
Avnei Chein seeks to provide real-time advocacy by guiding and accompanying clients and families through the initial dark moments of crisis to the point where they can survive and flourish independently. It was founded by people who saw their friends and family struggling with the mental health system and wanted to help.
Rachel noted that since October 7 there have been increased calls regarding children facing extreme anxiety, anger management issues for teenagers and relationship problems among couples who feel they have lost control. “The amount of grief running through the country … has exacerbated the need for what we do,” she said.
Avnei Chein’s support aims to ensure that individuals and family members of people in a mental health crisis no longer face their journey alone.
To support visit https://chai.org.au/cause/Avnei-Chein
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