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World Mental Health Day

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World Mental Health Day - October 2023

Flourishing Minds Festival

Flourishing Minds Clinic is hosting Flourishing Minds Festival in support of World Mental Health Day from 10th to 13th of October 2023, in collaboration with 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. The festival is created around the Official Theme of WMHD 2023 – Mental Health is a Universal Right and will be featured as part of the World Federation for Mental Health Global Campaign 2023.

The themes each day are as below:

10th October 2023 – Day 1: Opening Minds and Building Resilience

11th October 2023 – Day 2: Self-Care and Mental Health Education

12th October 2023 – Day 3: Community Engagement and Empowerment

13th October 2023 – Day 4: Closing Celebration and Cultural Showcase

We are delighted to invite you to this event dedicated to promoting mental well-being, resilience, and unity within our community. Join us for a transformative experience that celebrates the power of resilience, creativity, and support in the realm of mental health.

Agenda

Day 1: "Opening Minds and Building Resilience"

Registration and Welcome

Opening Ceremony

Location: Main Auditorium

Moderated by: Anshu Jain, Emcee & Presenter

Agenda

  1. Welcome address: Ms. Tina Balachandran, Partner/Clinical Director, Flourishing Minds Clinic
  2. Presidential address: Dr. Nasser Loza, WFMH (online)
  3. Mental Health through Sport: Abdulla Y. Al Mulla, QOSM Director
  4. Al Thakira Road ITT Race for Mental Health: Dr. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari, President, QCF 
QOSM Gallery Visit

Location: Main Gallery

Celebrate Mental Health Day with a visit to Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Explore inspiring stories of resilience and excellence in sports history, promoting well-being through culture. Join us for an enriching experience.

Location: Meeting Room

Practical strategies to manage stress and build resilience.

Facilitation: Ms. Sajeda Maraqa, Clinical Psychologist, Flourishing Minds Clinic

Location: Meeting Room

An interactive art therapy session, encouraging emotional expression through creative activities

Facilitation: Ms. Trish Bedford, Art Therapist, Flourishing Minds Clinic

Location: Activation Zone

The “Mindful Athlete Adventure” is an engaging and interactive session designed to educate kids about the vital connection between sports, physical health, and mental well-being. This activity aims to foster an understanding of how sports can contribute to positive mental health outcomes and teach children valuable life skills through fun and mindful sports-related experiences.

Facilitation: Sequences Wellness and QOSM

Resilience Panel Discussion

Location: Main Auditorium

Explore the profound significance of resilience in the realm of mental health through a dynamic panel discussion featuring our expert guests. This engaging conversation will delve into the essence of resilience, its pivotal role in maintaining mental well-being, and practical strategies for its cultivation.

Moderated by: Mohamed Eraky, Coach, Resilience & Empowerment Advocate

Panel Members

Mindfulness and Breathwork Session

Location: Main Auditorium

Guided mindfulness and breathwork session promoting inner calm and relaxation!

Facilitation: Sequences Wellness

Registration and Welcome

Wellness Session

Location: Main Auditorium

Facilitation: Sequences Wellness

QOSM Gallery Visit

Location: Main Gallery

Celebrate Mental Health Day with a visit to Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Explore inspiring stories of resilience and excellence in sports history, promoting well-being through culture. Join us for an enriching experience.

Location: Meeting Room

Facilitation: Ms. Sajeda Maraqa, Clinical Psychologist, Flourishing Minds Clinic

Location: Meeting Room

Facilitation: Ms. Ivana Mrgan & Ms. Catherine Fernandez, Counselling Psychologists, Flourishing Minds Clinic

Location: Activation Zone

Interactive session for youth to explore and express their emotions through creative art while connecting the process to mental health awareness and sports.

Facilitation: Flourishing Minds Clinic and QOSM

Harmony for Mental Health

Location: Main Auditorium

A celebration of the therapeutic power of music in promoting mental well-being. Join us on a musical journey as talented musicians, vocalists, and instrumentalists weave together an exquisite tapestry of sounds that touch the heart and soothe the soul. It is more than a performance; it’s a reminder that in the world of music, we find healing, resilience, and a shared sense of belonging.

Facilitation: Kirsten Hutchison, Music Therapist & Kamila Janik, Director Child Development Center

Performance: Music Lounge

Mindfulness and Breathwork Session

Location: Main Auditorium

Guided mindfulness and breathwork session promoting inner calm and relaxation!

Facilitation: Sequences Wellness

Registration and Welcome

Advocacy and Mental Health Policy Panel

Location: Main Auditorium

Our panelists are set to engage in a thought-provoking discussion covering a spectrum of crucial topics in the realm of mental health policy. Discussions to shed light on the impact of current policies on our communities, success stories and hurdles faced in advocating for mental health.

Moderated by: Stefan Lindberg-Jones, Coach, Podcaster, Mental Health Advocate for Entrepreneurs

Panel Members

  • Tina Balachandran, Partner/Clinical Director, Flourishing Minds Clinic
  • Iain Tulley, Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health – Hamad Medical Corporation and National Health Strategy Lead – Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Dr. Mahnaz Mousavi, Director Student Wellness & Counselling Center, Georgetown University
  • Najla Al Kuwari, Breastfeeding Counselor and Educator, Mental Health Awareness Advocate
  • Dr. Nelli El-Ghazal, Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Sidra
  • Latifa Al Kuwari, Head of Academic and Community Outreach, QOSM
QOSM Gallery Visit

Location: Main Gallery

Celebrate Mental Health Day with a visit to Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Explore inspiring stories of resilience and excellence in sports history, promoting well-being through culture. Join us for an enriching experience.

Location: Meeting Room

An interactive workshop designed to introduce participants to the principles and practices of mindful living and healthy lifestyle choices. Mindfulness is an effective tool for reducing stress, enhancing well-being, and fostering a greater connection to the present moment.

Facilitation: Aishwarya Agicha, Clinical Psychologist, Flourishing Minds Clinic and QOSM

Location: Meeting Room

Location: Foyer

Facilitation: Flourishing Minds Clinic and Sequences Wellness

Location: Activation Zone

An interactive and educational activity designed to promote mindfulness, emotional awareness, and teamwork among children/youth. This engaging scavenger hunt is themed around emotions and their connection to sports, encouraging participants to explore their feelings and understand the importance of emotional well-being in sports and life.

Facilitation: Flourishing Minds Clinic and QOSM

Networking

Location: Foyer

Storytelling Night - Voices of Resilience with The 321 Active Heroes

Location: Main Auditorium

Storytelling Night – Voices of Resilience with The 321 Active Heroes featuring a QOSM 321 Action Hero, a community representative, and a special ‘me too’ activity that will touch your heart.

Our storytellers, drawn from diverse backgrounds, will share their journeys of resilience, strength, and hope, demonstrating that adversity can be overcome, and mental health can be nurtured – tapping into the power of storytelling in uniting us, fostering empathy, and reminding us that we are never alone on our mental health journeys.

Moderated by: Arafa Alhammadi, Coach & Mental Health Advocate

Panel Members

Organized in collaboration with Qatar Cycling Federation

Location: Al ThakiraAl Thakira Road ITT (Individual Time Trial) Race for Mental Health

Registration and Welcome

Panel - Mental Health Hard Talk, Reclaim your mental health - Add Your Voice & Call for Action

Location: Main Auditorium

Platform for open and honest discussions about mental health, aiming to reduce stigma, empower individuals, and inspire action, by sharing their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improving mental health support systems.

Moderated by: Ms. Sajeda Maraqa, Clinical Psychologist, Flourishing Minds Clinic

Panel Members

Networking

Location: Foyer

Embrace the Mind

Location: Main Auditorium

A vivid portrayal of our shared human experience and the importance of supporting mental well-being for all. We explores the universal right to mental health, emphasizing that it knows no borders, cultures, or backgrounds.

Facilitation: Bhavna Sharma Naik

Narration: Flourishing Minds Clinic

Closing Ceremony and Gratitude with a collaborative communiqué

Location: Main Auditorium

Facilitation: Flourishing Minds Clinic and QOSM

At the heart of our festival lies the belief that a sound mind thrives in harmony with a healthy body. Through interactive workshops, invigorating movement sessions, and inspiring talks, we underscore the vital relationship between physical health, movement, and mental well-being. Embracing a holistic approach, we understand that nurturing our bodies is a cornerstone of nurturing our minds – let’s reshape perspectives, offer solace to those in need, and amplify the understanding that mental health is not a privilege but a universal right. Let’s stand together, learn together, and grow together as we pave the way for a brighter, more compassionate future.

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Bhavna Sharma Naik

Bhavna Sharma NaikBhavna is an embodiment of expression in Hindi, and what better way to convey her feelings than through the art of dance and movement. From the tender age of 5, she has dedicated her life to learning, practicing, and performing various dance forms from around the world. Dance has been her refuge, helping her navigate through pain, hurt, and worries, ultimately leading her to the path of sharing this wisdom through rhythm and movement therapy. With over 22 years of teaching experience, Bhavna has transformed numerous students, spanning kids, adults, and children with autism, using movement as a medium for both enjoyment and meditation. She firmly believes that movement serves as a non-verbal language that connects body, mind, and soul, enabling individuals to express their inner selves. As a Visharad in Indian classical dance and holding certifications in yoga, Pilates, fitness, and a diploma in special needs education, Bhavna is well-equipped to guide others on their transformative journey through dance and movement.

Latifa Al Kuwari

With a passion for museums and a background in art history, Latifa Al-Kuwari serves as Head of Academic & Outreach at 321 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum and a mother of three. With her 5 years experience in the Learning & Outreach Department she creates and delivers special programs tailored for diverse audiences. Her expertise lies in fostering museum engagement & enriching educational experiences for museum visitors.
Mo Eraky

Mohamed Eraky

Coach Mo Eraky is a dedicated father of two girls, aged 9 and 6, making him an advocate for women’s empowerment by default. With an impressive 20-year career in aviation, he boasts 9 years of experience in commercial, sales, and events, as well as 11 years in talent management. Coach Mo is the founder of the Baby Steps Marathon in Strava, coaches the Wireless Warriors Dragon Boat team, and proudly serves as an Asics Frontrunner Ambassador. He’s a true triathlon and sports enthusiast, holding certifications as an ICF-PCC coach, CPLP-ATD Performance Consultant, NLP Practitioner, DiSC Practitioner, and an expert in emotional intelligence and situational leadership. As an Aviation Management Professional (AvMP) and cancer survivor, Coach Mo’s resilience shines through, having lived in various countries, including Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bristol-UK for the past two decades. He embodies strength and passion in all aspects of life.

Sheldon Smith

Sheldon Smith

Founding Principal, Northview International School

Experienced Principal with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. He has been working away from Canada for the past 24 years, covering Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Qatar. In Qatar, he previously worked for Al Khor International School (8 years) and Al Jazeera Academy (4 years).

Anshu Jain

Anshu Jain

A versatile on-stage personality with over 13 years of experience in hosting 250+ events, spanning sports, corporate, and entertainment. A sought-after digital content creator known for creativity. A successful brand promoter, explorer, and fashion enthusiast. A seasoned voice-over artist with a track record of prestigious projects and a facilitator for talk shows.
Kirsten Hutchison

Kirsten Hutchison, MT-BC

Kirsten is a board-certified music therapist from the United States. She has practiced music therapy for children and adults for over 15 years, in the US and Qatar. She specializes in working with children and teens with developmental and behavioral disabilities and differences, and loves using music to support learning and growth. She has lived in Doha for 5 years. When she’s not doing music, she loves playing games with her family, crocheting, and exploring the beautiful world we live in.

Kamila Janik, MSC, BCBA

Kamila JanikIn her professional capacity as the Director at the Child Development Center (CDC) for Special Needs, Kamila’s role involves supervising the provision of multi-disciplinary therapy services for children with autism and related developmental disorders. Kamila strongly believes in the provision of trauma-informed, empathetic, and child- and parent-centered therapy, which includes approaches such as music therapy, play-based ABA therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy and occupational therapy. Kamila is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), who holds a Masters degree in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, and is currently completing her doctorate in Education with a special focus on mental health and wellbeing of mothers of children with autism. At CDC, Kamila has incorporated approaches such as mindfulness and music therapy for reducing anxiety, stress, and enhancing emotional regulation and overall mental wellbeing among children and parents of children with autism disabilities and therapists.

Stefan Lindberg-Jones

Stefan Lindberg-Jones

Stefan Lindberg-Jones, a seasoned entrepreneur and host of “The Head Guy Podcast,” is a dedicated advocate for mental health. As the CEO and Owner of Ginger Camel LLC and Lindberg-Jones Ltd, his journey, marked by personal challenges including dyslexia, divorce, bankruptcy, and pandemic-related setbacks, has deepened his commitment to mental well-being. Stefan’s podcasting career began with “Your Onion Podcast” in 2016, running until 2022, and transitioned into “The Head Guy Podcast,” where he engages in insightful conversations exploring mental health, resilience, and success. He also founded “The Pancake Club,” a community fostering support and mentorship among entrepreneurs. Stefan’s inspiring journey underscores the importance of mental health in life and entrepreneurship, making him a beacon of hope and wisdom for others.
Arafa Alhammadi

Arafa Alhammadi

Offers specialized programs in holistic health, EQ life coaching, self-awareness, wellness, and fitness, personal and professional development and training as well as real-world applications, for those who are interested in self- or career development.
Najla Al Kuwari

Najla Al Kuwari

Mother to 4 boys and founder of young mothers Qatar, which is an educational initiative directed to new mothers. We discuss all matters relating to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and newborn care on social media platforms.

I am also a member of national maternal mental health committee and an advocate for mental health awareness.

Menatalla Metwally Said ElBadway

Menatalla Metwally Said ElBadway

I am a fourth-year medical student with a minor in computer science, deeply passionate about mental health advocacy and patient rights. I bring a diverse range of experiences to the table, including serving as the President of the Qatar University Student Surgical Society, Founder and President of the Qatar University Student Surgical Society, and a current College Representative at Qatar University. I also have a background in social media marketing and event organization, having interned at QU Health and worked with the Qatar Interprofessional Education Student Association. My skills encompass Adobe Photoshop, marketing, video production, social media management, event planning, and more. I’m excited to contribute to the Flourishing Minds Festival and support the cause of mental health as a universal right.

Mahnaz Mousavi

Dr. Mahnaz Mousavi

Mahnaz Mousavi is the Director of Student Wellness & Counseling Center at Georgetown University in Qatar. Dr. Mousavi, is a licensed psychologist in the District of Columbia, U.S.A and is a BCIA Board Certified in General Biofeedback. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Akron in Ohio and her postdoctoral master’s degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology in California. Dr. Mousavi’s initial master’s degree in Clinical Psychology is earned from Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran. As an integrationist, some of her areas of interest include working with young adults, crisis intervention, childhood abuse, trauma, psychological assessment, mindfulness, and biofeedback, with a focus on multicultural and cross-cultural counseling and counseling university students. Her academic contributions include a book in Iran on Childhood Abuse in Iran, articles in peer-reviewed journals, and regular presentations at conferences and meetings.

Noura Al-Thawadi

NouraA pioneer and coach, she is the founder of the be.fit180o team and the QAthletics Academy. She is the first Qatari coach targeting age groups from 4 to 14 years old for running and jumping since 2019. She holds a diploma in sports club and sports institution management and is a Level 3 running and fitness coach.

Iain Tulley

Iain TulleyIain Tulley spent 35 years in UK Healthcare, 15 years as Chief Executive.

Prior to joining HMC, he was Chief Executive of Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, one of the largest mental health Trusts in England. He was previously Chief Executive of Devon Partnership NHS Trust and East Devon Primary Care Trust. Tulley has held a number of senior healthcare management posts; he also worked at the Department of Health and was involved in developing a National Service Framework for Mental Health in the UK. He originally trained as a nurse in Scotland before retraining and becoming a manager. During his time as Chief Executive, he has promoted clinical leadership, enabling clinicians to lead and develop services for the benefit of patients. He describes his only priority as improving the quality of the patient experience.

He believes that the development of Mental Health Services in Qatar will further enhance the world ranking of our health system.

Moses Amonje

Moses AmonjeMoses is a Physical Literacy and Physical Activity Champion, with vast experience, of over 18 years in youth empowerment, community development, project planning, project implementation, networking, resource mobilization, and working at different levels from grassroots, national, and international levels. He has extensive experience working with diverse groups of individuals in both local and global capacities.

As the Acting Head of Activation, at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Moses advocates for the promotion of physical activity and consumption of healthy diets from a tender age so as to prevent and manage the sharp rise in Non-communicable and Cardiovascular diseases including mental health among the Qatar Population.

Through the Activation Zone at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Moses supports the public in achieving their health and fitness goals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to take control of their health, and overall wellness, by introducing them to physical activity, and sports.

Amna AlMuhannadi

Amna AlMuhannadiAmna AlMuhannadi is a certified Ayurvedic lifestyle instructor and a psychological and social counselor with over a decade of experience in the field of health and wellness. She is recognized as an influencer in promoting healthy living and wellness tourism.

Amna provides workshops, consultations, and retreats, and she is a co-founder of ATLAAD, a natural beauty brand. Her approach involves blending alternative medicine and ancient healing practices with modern science to achieve holistic well-being.

Dr. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari

Dr. Mohammed Jaham Al-KuwariDr. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari boasts a remarkable career as both a General and bariatric Surgeon and a prominent figure in the world of sports administration.

Previously served at the esteemed Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Al-Kuwari has become a distinguished consultant in General and bariatric Surgery, currently practicing at The Masters Medical Center. His medical expertise and dedication to improving the well-being of his patients have earned him a reputation as a compassionate and skilled healthcare professional.

Beyond his medical endeavors, Dr. Al-Kuwari is a passionate cyclist and accomplished triathlete. His love for these sports led him to co-found the Qatar Cyclist Center, a hub for nurturing local cycling talent. In 2016, he received a resounding vote of confidence when he was elected President of the Qatar Cycling Federation, a role in which he excelled.

During his tenure, Dr. Al-Kuwari has been a tireless advocate for promoting cycling and triathlon sports in Qatar. His visionary leadership has seen the organization evolve, leading to the creation of a dedicated Triathlon unit within the Federation in 2017. As a result, the Federation has been rebranded as the Qatar Cycling and Triathlon Federation, reflecting his commitment to expanding the reach and appeal of these sports.

Dr. Mohammed Jaham Al-Kuwari’s multifaceted contributions, both in the medical field and the world of sports, make him an exceptional individual who continues to impact the lives of many in Qatar positively.

Suhaila A. H. Ghuloum,
FRCPsych, L.R.C.P& S.I., M.B., B.Ch., B.A.0

Dr. Suhaila GhuloumDr. Ghuloum is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Hamad Medical Corporation, Professor at Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, and an Associate Professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar.

She has national and international involvements in mental health, including with the GCC, WHO, the Arab Board, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the World Psychiatric Association, and the World Federation for Mental Health. She was a key member in drafting the Qatar Mental Health Strategy and Law.

Dr. Ghuloum has several research projects and publications, in addition to presentations at regional and international conferences.

Joanna Rekik

Joanna RekikJoanna, a wife and mom of three boys, spent over a decade calling Qatar home. Transitioning from the corporate world, she recently embarked on a new journey, becoming a business owner specializing in digital marketing. Beyond her professional pursuits, Joanna is a passionate advocate for mental health, emphasizing the significance of work-life balance and prioritizing self-care for mothers, readily sharing her experiences through her blog, “Mama in Transit”.

Shefa Ali

Shefa AliShefa, with over 15 years of corporate experience, is a leading figure in coaching and motivation in Qatar. Her background in corporate communications and her roles as a Life & Business Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Wellness Advocate have made her a sought-after expert. She divides her time between consulting, coaching, workshops, and delivering keynotes for various organizations. Shefa is also a prolific writer and editor, contributing to publications like The Conversation by Amanda de Cadenet and a weekly column in Gulf Times, a prominent newspaper in Qatar. Her diverse client base includes organizations across multiple industries.

Dr. Nelli El-Ghazal

Nelli El-GhazalDr. Nelli El-Ghazal holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and serves as a Child and Adolescent Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry, with an instructional role at Weill Cornell Medical College. Her extensive background encompasses experience in the U.S. school system and private practice. Since joining Sidra in 2017, her clinical focus has revolved around addressing school-related emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as devising solutions for diverse learning and psychological needs. Dr. El-Ghazal actively collaborates with local schools to establish mental health support programs and frequently conducts training for parents, students, and faculty at educational institutions. She has also contributed as a guest lecturer at HMC and the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, and she holds an associate editor position with an international school psychology journal.

Pierre Daniel

Pierre DanielFrench adventurer and endurance athlete, living in Doha for the past 15 years.

Marketing professional, with an everlasting passion for sport and physical activity. Through his journey, he became an ambassador for an active and healthy lifestyle. In 2018, Pierre ran 477km around Qatar in seven days, unassisted, establishing the Fastest Known Time for the circumnavigation of the country and setting a Guinness World Record at the time for the fastest north to south crossing of the country.

Through his personal development as an endurance athlete, Pierre developed a holistic approach in preparation for challenges, including physical and mental mindfulness, goal settings condition, preparedness, and more. Pierre is also a certified endurance coach, helping athletes develop their potential and reach their goals

Abubaker Ali

Abubaker AliFormer Qatar athletic and Coach.

Dr Ameera

Dr. Ameera Al-Kharaz

Dr. Ameera is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. She completed her psychiatric board training at HMC and received commendation for her fellowship in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety from the HMC/Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Fellowship Program in 2016. Since 2019, she has served as an Improvement Advisor and Coach, earning certificates from IHI. Dr. Ameera has also successfully completed the CCITP, ICP, and QMEP Quality Programs at HMC.

She has a special interest in life and wellness coaching, helping individuals reach their full potential and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Dr. Ameera finds fulfillment in her clinical work, collaborating with patients, and her role as a quality advocate, facilitating programs and quality improvement projects within the Mental Health Service and across HMC.