From 10 to 14 November, a delegation of eight professionals from the Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital and the Bethlehem Community Mental Health Department carried out an exchange mission in Trieste as part of the RING programme – Integrated Strengthening of the Palestinian Health System, funded by the Italian Cooperation.
During the visit, hosted by the Giuliano Isontina University Health Authority (ASUGI), a project partner, the delegation had the opportunity to closely observe the organisation of Trieste’s community-based services: 24/7 Mental Health Centres (CSM), community outreach interventions, social–health integration, and collaboration with social cooperatives. Activities included training sessions, visits to the Maddalena and Barcola Mental Health Centres, in-depth discussions on psychiatric emergencies at the Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment Service, meetings with cooperatives, and a full day of on-the-job training in small groups.
The exchange made it possible to reflect on the strengths of the Trieste model that could be adapted to the Bethlehem context, particularly for strengthening community-based services, developing social and employment inclusion, and enhancing community networks that support patients.
This professional exchange strengthened skills, relationships, and opportunities for concrete development of mental health services in Bethlehem and, more broadly, in Palestine.
