Support Café for Artsakh Elders
Yerevan — Alzheimer’s Care Armenia announced the launch of the Support Café for Artsakh Elders. This project creates a supportive environment for displaced Artsakh older adults. It is funded by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) for a 12-week pilot program.
This initiative creates a secure environment by supporting their mental health during this profound adjustment period and provides psychosocial interventions that include art therapy approaches with the goal of promoting socialization and healing. Music, handicrafts, and cognitive-stimulating exercises in a compassionate group setting will help improve mental health, promote social inclusion, facilitate emotional expression, strengthen cognitive abilities, and encourage physical activity.
“The Artsakh Support Cafe provides a beacon of hope to our displaced elders by providing much needed psychological support,” says Dr. Jane Mahakian, Founder of Alzheimer’s Care Armenia. The program is implemented by a multidisciplinary team consisting of psychologists, social workers, and art therapists. Additionally, the professional team undergoes weekly training conducted by a psychologist specializing in trauma therapy.
The Support Cafés operate in two locations- in Gyumri and in Yerevan. Each group accommodates up to 25 participants. They must register by calling 098 444 893 for Gyumri or 096 777 908 for Yerevan. Upon completion of the pilot project, the aim is to sustain the Support Cafes in Yerevan and Gyumri and develop additional Support Café’s in other regions that have a high concentration of Artsakh elders, such as the Syunik and Vanadzor regions.
