On November 30, the Tel Aviv Municipality hosted the launch conference of the “Health Pockets” program, with the participation of Dr. Hila Oren, Director of the Social Services Administration; Sharon Blum Melamed; Prof. Anat Kloymak, Dean of the School of Psychology at Reichman University; along with Ronit Frieber, Adi Tzabari, and additional representatives from municipal departments.
The “Health Pockets” program is designed to provide a creative and accessible response to residents’ mental health needs by establishing open, community-based spaces where mental health activities, counseling, and support are offered. As part of the program, four pilot initiatives will be launched as early as December 2025 in various locations across the city, with the goal of making mental health care more accessible within a welcoming, supportive, and community-oriented environment.
The program was developed in collaboration with professionals from the fields of mental health and community work, and is based on prior experience and assessments showing that delivering services in open and supportive settings increases accessibility and reduces feelings of loneliness and alienation. The “Health Pockets” include workshops, small group meetings, individual counseling, and additional community activities, all aimed at strengthening social and community ties while providing early mental health support.
