Project Syria 

The people of Syria live in distressing circumstances, enduring the impact of a protracted conflict that is well into its second decade. Recent earthquakes have devastated physical structures and shaken people’s resilience. These catastrophic circumstances are made worse by a global economic crisis and fuel shortages, and the country is almost entirely isolated because of sanctions. 

The social and emotional toll of these difficulties is hard to overstate, and for those experiencing them, there is no way out. According to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, one in ten people living in Syria have a mild to moderate mental health condition, and one in ten children need focused mental health care. Many of those who need life-saving assistance require specialized mental health and psychosocial support, in a situation that the 2023 report describes as acute. 

In the city of Aleppo, with an estimated prewar population of 2.5 million people, no more than three psychiatrists remain active today. If we consider that psychiatry is the sole legal professional licensing in mental health practice in the country, the sheer volume of need becomes clear.

At Magenta Mind, we believe that rebuilding resilience starts from within. Our programming aims to raise awareness within local communities, to enhance the ongoing work of charities and other groups on the ground, and to enable future provisions for mental health knowledge and care.

We have so far:

• Trained over 55 community mental health workers and volunteers.
• Established ongoing engagement with five groups of trainees.
• Enhanced the content and number of mental health awareness courses on offer in several local schools in rural areas.
• Delivered over 36 contact hours between mental health specialists and local community groups.