On September 21st, in commemoration of International Alzheimer’s Day, the Farsi Action Foundation, in collaboration with Alzheimer Society UK organizations, hosted a landmark event addressing mental health challenges within Farsi-speaking communities and Southeast Asian groups. This occasion marked the first time the Afghanistani community in the UK take step to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other mental health issues.
The event began with a warm welcome from Shuhala Abbas, Local Communities and Volunteering Lead at the Alzheimer’s Society in London, followed by an opening address from Jamal Haidari, CEO of the Farsi Action Foundation. The program included a series of insightful and educational sessions followed, aimed at empowering the community with knowledge:
Silva Mazzanti provided an essential awareness session on dementia, offering crucial insights into the understanding and recognition of the disease.
Jem Bhatt, lead for postgraduate research at the UCL Unit for Stigma, gave an in-depth presentation about dementia and the stigma often associated with it.
Saboor Sirat delivered a compelling session on mental health awareness in society, focusing on the importance of open dialogue around mental health.
Dr. Sakha contributed with a meaningful talk about mental health within society, discussing the opportunities for diagnosis and the support available through the NHS, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.
Mrs. Nazia Hussain shared her personal experience of caring for a family member affected by Alzheimer’s, highlighting the available services and support systems in London, which was one of the event’s most engaging elements.
The event not only served as an educational platform but also celebrated Afghanistan culture through creative expressions, including satirical poetry by Mr. Haroon Yosufi, traditional music, dance performances, and authentic cuisine.
The day concluded with resounding success, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere that brought the community together with a shared focus on mental health awareness. Attendees actively participated in discussions, offering valuable feedback, and showing a strong interest in future events to continue addressing these crucial issues in the community.
This initiative marked a significant step in breaking down stigma around mental health and promoting well-being among Farsi-speaking and Southeast Asian communities in the UK.
