Mindfulness Sessions – Consultant

Background:

 The Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH) is a local non-profit, non-partisan Lebanese human rights organization based in Beirut. CLDH was created in 2006 by the Franco-Lebanese Movement SOLIDA (Support for Lebanese Detained Arbitrarily), which has been active since 1996 in the struggle against arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and the impunity of those perpetrating gross human rights violations.  CLDH monitors the human rights situation in Lebanon, fights enforced disappearance, impunity, arbitrary detention and racism and rehabilitates the victims of torture. CLDH regularly organizes press conferences, workshops and advocacy meetings on human rights issues in Lebanon and collects, records and documents human rights abuses in reports and press releases. CLDH team on the ground supports initiatives aimed at determining the fate of all missing persons in Lebanon. CLDH regularly follows up on numerous cases of arbitrary detention and torture in Lebanon in coordination with Lebanese and international organizations, and with the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention WGAD and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. CLDH currently has 4 offices: Dora, Zalka, Beqaa and Tripoli.

Program Profile:

      Free to Be Me (F2BM) is an inspiring and innovative program that puts rights holders in the driving seat, while supporting the LGBTQI+ movement to an impactful and sustainable fight for its rights. In Lebanon, a vibrant LGBTQI+ scene would lobby and advocate for economic and social justice. Despite progresses, challenges prevail in a highly restrictive legal environment. F2BM-ME will give voice, leadership and bounding to a community of qualified activists fighting to advance a common agenda in Lebanon. The Community of Action (CoA) will foster the growth of grassroots organizations and knowledge-sharing within the community. The program will encompass: i) Tailored organizational capacity-building, ii) Targeted individual skills development iii) Micro-project funding allowing community impact and learning through action.  F2BM-ME will be piloted by a project team hosted and benefiting from organizational support from the Lebanese Center for Human Rights (CLDH), designated as the host organization (HO). The program will directly benefit 10 grassroot organizations, a minimum of 15 activists and, indirectly, contribute to uphold the rights of the whole community in the region.

Description of the Mindfulness Sessions:

As per the well-being activities of the Free to Be Me project and due to the current context in Lebanon, 10 mindfulness sessions will be provided by qualified instructor to a maximum of 10 CoA members. The sessions aim to help participants achieve a state of mindfulness, foster a sense of balance and psychological well-being. Mindfulness will serve as a valuable tool for training the mind to fully engage with the present moment, rather than the past or anticipating the future. These sessions will have an overall positive impact on mental health by reducing prejudgments and anxieties.

The instructor should have a background in mental health and use well-tailored methods in communication and implementation of the workshops. It is also the responsibility of the instructor to create and maintain a safe space and environment for these workshops with the CoAs, this process will be supported by the Free to Be Me Team.

Mindfulness Sessions Context:

The total number of participants will be up to 20 members of the COA. The sessions, delivered by the instructor, will be conducted from the date of recruitment till the end of December 2023. The instructor is expected to draft and share the mindfulness sessions agenda with broad bullet points prior to the start of the sessions for review by relevant personnel at CLDH and a final report after conducting the training. The working period, including preparation, delivery and final report summary of the workshop to be delivered by end of December 2023.

Scope of Work:

• Introduction to Mindfulness:
  • Conduct an introductory session to familiarize participants with the concept and benefits of mindfulness.
  • Define mindfulness and its relevance to personal and professional life.
• Customized Mindfulness Workshops:
  • Develop and deliver tailored mindfulness workshops based on the needs and challenges of the COAs.
  • Cover key mindfulness practices, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful awareness.
• Stress Reduction and Resilience:
  • Address stress management techniques through mindfulness practices.
  • Provide tools for building resilience in the face of challenges.
• Interactive Sessions:
  • Facilitate interactive and engaging sessions that encourage participant involvement.
  • Incorporate group discussions, Q&A sessions, and practical exercises.
• Progress Evaluation:
  • Implement, with CLDH’s Monitoring and Evaluation team, methods to assess the impact of mindfulness sessions on participants.
  • Gather feedback to continuously improve the content and delivery of the upcoming sessions.
• Frequency and Duration:
  • Conduct regular mindfulness sessions as agreed upon, with a suggested frequency and duration.
  • Adjust schedules based on the availability and preferences of the participants.
• Confidentiality:
  • Respect and maintain the confidentiality of participants.
  • Ensure a safe and non-judgmental environment for sharing experiences.
• Communication:
  • Maintain open communication with the CLDH team to address any concerns or adjustments needed.
  • Provide periodic progress reports and feedback on the effectiveness of the sessions.
• Logistics:
  • Coordinate logistics for the sessions, including venue, equipment, and any additional requirements.
  • Ensure a suitable environment for mindfulness practices.

Workshop Deliverables:

Workshop Agenda.

Report Summary (including details of sessions, number of participants, observations, recommendations for upcoming activities with the COAs).

Qualifications:

Prior knowledge and Experience in Mental Health Sector, preferably being a certified psychotherapist.

Good understanding of the LGBTQI+ context.

Understands and follows humanitarian principles.

Location :

— TBD