Drawing on the experiences of mental health professionals in Lebanon and the findings of our International Science Partnership–funded study, we will discuss training gaps, workforce pressures, and future directions for delivering ethical and responsive care to LGBTQIA+ communities. Special guest speakers from healthcare and community organisations will contribute UK national and Northern Ireland regional perspectives, exchange best practice, and reflect on the practical challenges of supporting LGBTQIA+ communities.

Speakers & Presentations:

- Patrick Farah & Nadia Badran, Society for Inclusion and Development in Communities and Care for All (SIDC, Lebanon) – The Context and Contemporary Challenges Experienced by the LGBTQIA+ Community in Lebanon

- Maria Chalhoub, SIDC – Traumas and Struggles among the LGBTQIA+ Community in Lebanon

- René Francis, SIDC – Training the Trainers: A Psychoeducational Intervention for Mental Health Practitioners in Lebanon

- Simon Carmichael, The Rainbow Project, Belfast, Northern Ireland – Contemporary Issues in LGBTQIA+ Counselling in Northern Ireland

- Donna Clifford, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust – Psychologist-Led Interventions within HIV and PrEP Clinical Services in Walsall, England

- Prof Chérie Armour, Queen’s University Belfast, School of Psychology

- Dr Emanuele Fino, Queen’s University Belfast, School of Psychology – Improving the Training of LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Professionals: What Matters and What Does Not

Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be provided.

For any queries, don't hesitate to contact the Principal Investigator, Dr Emanuele Fino, at: e.fino@qub.ac.uk