Professor Ahmed Malallah Al-Ansari leads an intimate conversation on caregiver mental wellbeing, hosted for Durrah’s community of discerning families.
Manama, Bahrain — October 2026: ReadON Arabia, in collaboration with the Special Families Support Group Bahrain (SFS), will host a special World Mental Health Day gathering titled “Caring for the Caregiver” on Saturday, 10 October 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sammarlatte, Sanad.
The event will feature Professor Ahmed Malallah Al-Ansari, a renowned Bahraini psychiatrist and academic who has devoted more than four decades to child and adolescent psychiatry and community service. The first Bahraini specialist in child psychiatry, he helped establish the Gulf’s first child psychiatric unit in 1981 and has played a longstanding role in developing services and organizations supporting children with developmental needs and their families.
His professional and humanitarian contribution was recently celebrated in the “Stars in the Sky of Disability” publication, documenting a career dedicated to psychiatry, disability services and community support in Bahrain and the wider Gulf.
The session has been designed specifically for parents and caregivers of children with special needs, recognizing that the emotional and psychological wellbeing of caregivers can often receive less attention while families focus on therapy, education, appointments and the day-to-day needs of their children.
Professor Al-Ansari will lead a parent-focused discussion addressing practical areas including caregiver stress and burnout, emotional wellbeing, family communication, coping strategies and recognizing when professional support may be helpful.
The programme will also include selected parent experiences and a moderated discussion, giving attendees an opportunity to reflect on their own journeys, hear from others facing similar responsibilities and take away practical ideas that can support their own wellbeing.
The event is being organized jointly by ReadON Arabia and SFS Bahrain, with the aim of creating an intimate, supportive and practical conversation rather than a formal seminar.
At the heart of the initiative is a simple message:
“You care for everyone else. This conversation is about caring for you too.”
For many families raising a child with additional needs, caregiving can become an around-the-clock responsibility. Over time, parents may place their own emotional health, relationships and personal needs behind those of their child. “Caring for the Caregiver” aims to bring greater attention to the importance of supporting the people who provide that care every day.
The event forms part of ReadON Arabia’s wider engagement with families, therapists, schools and the special-needs community in Bahrain. SFS Bahrain brings to the initiative its established community of parents and caregivers, providing families with opportunities for connection, shared experiences and mutual support.
Attendance is complimentary but limited, and prior registration is required.
Event Details
The gathering will take place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sammarlatte, Sanad, Kingdom of Bahrain, in observance of World Mental Health Day 2026. Designed for parents and caregivers, the session will be led by guest speaker Professor Ahmed Malallah Al-Ansari and hosted by ReadON Arabia in partnership with the Special Families Support Group Bahrain.
About ReadON Arabia
ReadON Arabia works with schools, therapists, healthcare providers and families across Bahrain and the wider GCC to support cognitive assessment and structured cognitive skill development for children and adults. Its work includes supporting neurodiverse individuals and people experiencing challenges relating to attention, executive function, learning and cognitive performance. Visit www.readonarabia.com to learn more.
About Special Families Support Group Bahrain
The Special Families Support Group Bahrain (SFS) is a community supporting families of children with special needs through peer connection, shared experiences, information and community initiatives.
Media Enquiries
Media representatives interested in attending the event, interviewing the organizers, or requesting an interview with Professor Al-Ansari are encouraged to contact the event team in advance.
ReadON Arabia
Walton Rozario
Email: walton@readonarabia.com
Event enquiries: +973 34 35 20 30
Special Families Support (SFS)
Vania Fernandes
Email: vania_09@hotmail.com
Event enquiries: +973 39 98 14 18
