Building stronger families through mental health support in the West Bank

Around the world, women carry many responsibilities at home, which can be extremely stressful. In the West Bank, where families live with constant violence and financial struggles, that pressure can feel even heavier—like there’s no end in sight.

To support these women, World Vision is implementing a programme called Group Problem Management Plus (GPM+). The programme offers women a safe and supportive space to talk openly, share their struggles, and learn how to solve problems together. It’s not just a quick fix—it’s a long-term way to improve mental health and build stronger, more hopeful communities. It helps women feel less alone, more confident, and more in control of their lives.

Fatima, a woman in her thirties, knows this feeling well. She lives in the West Bank with her husband and three children. Between caring for her children, managing the household, and worrying about money and safety, every day felt like a struggle. “I was always tired,” she said. “It felt like I was doing so much, but nothing ever got better. I didn’t have time for myself, and I didn’t know how to fix anything.”

Then a friend told her about the GPM+ sessions. At first, Fatima didn’t believe it would help. “I thought—how can just talking in a group solve my problems?” But she gave it a chance. At the sessions, Fatima learned new ways to look at her problems and manage her time better. “I realised I could break my problems into smaller pieces,” she said. “I learned how to plan my day, so I could get more done without feeling so stressed all the time.”

She also picked up tools for dealing with stress and solving problems in new ways. One of the biggest changes came from how she talked with her family. “I started listening more, and speaking calmly. My kids and my husband began listening too. The house became more peaceful.”

Bit by bit, Fatima began to feel different. “I didn’t feel so exhausted anymore,” she said. “I was proud of myself. I was making real changes, and I could feel the difference at home.” Her budgeting improved too, helping to ease money problems. She was finally able to enjoy her role as a mother and wife, without feeling buried by it.

Fatima’s story is just one example of how powerful GPM+ can be. This year, 38% of caregivers in the programme showed better problem-solving skills—a big step forward. And it’s only the beginning. Over the next three years, the project will reach 21 villages in the West Bank, helping 450 adults find ways to manage stress, solve problems, and support one another.

Beyond this project, since October 2023, World Vision has provided mental health and psychosocial support to 52,000 people while 340 teachers, youth club facilitators and health workers were trained to provide mental health and psychosocial support services and referrals.

Through programmes like GPM+, women like Fatima aren’t just finding hope—they’re building stronger families and stronger communities, one step at a time.