In a significant development aimed at enhancing social and community services in Sharjah, the Social Services Department has launched a series of dialogue sessions titled “نبضُ مجتمع” (Pulse of the Community). This initiative, coordinated through the Government Communication Office, aims to connect various social sectors and bolster community engagement. Over the course of 2025, “نبضُ مجتمع” will feature eight sessions, each focusing on a different department within the Social Services Department, with the objective of discussing services, gathering feedback, and forging partnerships to better serve the community.
Exploring Social Services for Seniors
The inaugural session of “نبضُ مجتمع” centered around the Senior Services Center and was held at the Cultural Palace in Sharjah. Leading the discussion were Khlood Abdullah Al Ali, the center director; Somaya Saif Al Shamsi, head of the Al Asalah Club; social care specialist Salima Mohammed Al Balushi; and Mariam Ibrahim Mutai. Attendees included community police officer Lt. Talilah Al Saadi and Aisha Obaid Ghabash, director of events and exhibitions at the Sharjah Heritage Institute, alongside seniors benefiting from the center’s services.
During the session, Khlood Al Ali outlined the comprehensive services provided by the center to seniors over 60 years old. These services are designed to support their capabilities and enhance their well-being, including rehabilitation and assistance for caregivers. The program also offers daytime services tailored to seniors’ specific needs, extending both in-home and field programs to ensure that those over 60 in Sharjah are well cared for.
Innovative Initiatives for Senior Care
Al Ali emphasized that the center actively seeks to facilitate senior citizens’ lives through initiatives like “Mashwar,” a transport service designed to meet their mobility needs while adhering to best practices in social care and empowerment. Additionally, the “Ijabah” service provides mobile government services right at seniors’ doorsteps, aiding in their essential transactional needs, in collaboration with various partner organizations. The center also hosts a physiotherapy unit with dedicated facilities for both men and women, ensuring that seniors and individuals with disabilities receive the necessary medical attention in a comfortable setting.
The home care units of the Senior Services Center play a vital role in providing daily support across the emirate, staffed by social workers, therapists, and nurses. They cater to various needs, including mental health and disability care, ensuring that seniors receive regular assessments and follow-ups in their homes to support their psychological well-being.
Building Community Connections
Somaya Al Shamsi, leading the Al Asalah Club since its inception in 2009, reviewed the club’s social, health, and recreational services for seniors, which aim to enhance their community integration through various vibrant programs and activities. The club fosters interactions between different generations, showcasing heritage and traditions to the youth. With nearly 792 members, the club offers diverse programs designed to strengthen community bonds.
Salima Al Balushi highlighted the center’s transportation service for bedridden individuals, designed to enhance their quality of life by ensuring they have safe, timely access to healthcare facilities. This non-emergency transport service employs vehicles equipped with the necessary accommodations such as wheelchairs and medical beds, supervised by trained staff who prioritize the comfort and safety of the clients during transfers.
A Commitment to Lifelong Contribution
Mariam Ibrahim, another social care specialist, noted that the center also provides specialized training programs for caregivers, ensuring they are equipped with the essential skills for effective health care and stability for the seniors they support. The “Rahma” home nursing service addresses the medical needs of low-income families, offering a full array of health, social, and psychological services through mobile units that include a general physician, nurse, and driver for daily home visits.
Aisha Ghabash emphasized the value of seniors as active contributors to local heritage, urging them to share their knowledge of traditional crafts with younger generations. She expressed respect and admiration for their contributions, viewing retirement not as an end but as a new beginning for further societal contributions.
Khlood Abdullah Al Ali, Government Communication Office Director of the Department of Social Services, stated, “Organizing the dialogue sessions of ‘نبضُ مجتمع’ provides an interactive platform to strengthen communication channels with our beneficiaries. It seeks to enhance institutional work to ensure quality services that meet their needs.”
This ongoing dialogue is pivotal in encouraging participation and fostering a sense of belonging, reinforcing the importance of seniors in supporting social values and community cohesion within Sharjah.