The International Centre for Advanced Islamic Research (ICAIR) and Risalah Training Institute (RTI) are pleased to announce that expressions of interest are now open for our upcoming Research & Training Workshop on Faith-Informed Mental Health and Crisis Response, taking place online on Sunday 26 April 2026.

Workshop Overview

 

This workshop brings together research‑informed understanding and practical pastoral guidance to strengthen mental‑health support within our communities.

 

Part One — Research Presentation

It will open with Fatima Bandali, presenting research she conducted as part of the Hawza Online Supervised Research Programme. Drawing on lived experiences, community narratives, and Shi‘i theological principles, she will discuss how cultural expectations and misapplied religious concepts can contribute to silence around distress, and how faith can support compassionate, constructive, and resilient approaches to well-being.

 

Part Two — Practical Training Session

This will be followed by a training session with Sayyid Sameer Ali, a licensed faith‑based counsellor, who will offer a practical introduction to Critical Incident Stress Management. In this session, he will outline key approaches for responding to crisis situations in pastoral settings, including supportive communication, recognising indicators of risk, applying the SAFER model with spiritual sensitivity, and making appropriate referrals.

 

Who is this for?

This workshop is intended for scholars, community leaders, educators, and those supporting wellbeing in faith‑based settings.

 

How to express your interest

Attendance at this workshop is by invitation. If you would like to be considered, please register your interest by 15 April 2026.

 

Selected participants will be contacted by email with confirmation and further details.

We hope this workshop will be a meaningful step toward strengthening mental‑health support within our communities.