A new €3 million project will help older people lead safer, healthier lives in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine

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In Syria, Lebanon and Palestine, older people and people with disabilities will have greater opportunities to shape the support they receive and lead practical solutions within their communities through a major new €3 million project. Led by five members of the HelpAge global network across the region, the initiative will combine locally driven action with essential services to help people live safer, healthier and more dignified lives.  

Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) through HelpAge Deutschland, the project aims to reach almost 80,000 people across the region from July 2026 to August 2027. Support will include food assistance, clean water, healthcare, mental health support, shelter assistance including home rehabilitation and the distribution of essential household items, protection services, and community-led initiatives designed with and for older people and people with disabilities. 

Local organisations leading the work 

The project will be delivered with five HelpAge network members that bring strong local knowledge, established community relationships and practical experience of responding to crises. 

In Lebanon, HelpAge will work with the Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC). In Syria, the project will be delivered with Hope Revival Organization and Action for Humanity. In Palestine, HelpAge will work alongside the Agricultural Development Association (PARC) and Juzoor for Health and Social Development. 

These organisations will work directly with communities, ensuring support reflects local priorities, realities and capacities. The project will also create opportunities for partners across the region to share learning and strengthen locally led humanitarian action. 

Older people in our communities have lived through many years of change and uncertainty, but they continue to support their families, neighbours and local organisations. This project will enable us to work alongside them to develop accessible and practical services, while strengthening their influence over the decisions that shape their lives.

Rania Said Youssef, Executive Director, Hope Revival Organization, Syria.

Responding to urgent challenges across the region 

The project will help older people and people with disabilities access the services, support and opportunities they need to stay healthy, safe and connected to their communities. Through locally led initiatives and inclusive humanitarian assistance, it will strengthen wellbeing, dignity and resilience across Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. 

People across the region continue to navigate conflict, displacement and economic hardship. Older people and people with disabilities can face additional barriers when trying to access food, water, healthcare, safe housing and other essential support. 

 

Improving access to food and clean water 

In Syria and Palestine, the project will help households meet urgent food needs through direct food assistance and cash support. More than 20,000 people are expected to benefit from food distributions, while a further 6,750 people in Syria will receive cash support to purchase food.  

The project will also improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services. More than 10,000 people are expected to receive safe drinking water, while over 15,000 people will receive hygiene and dignity kits. 

 

Supporting physical and mental health 

Older people and people with disabilities will be able to access healthcare that responds to their specific needs and circumstances. The project aims to support almost 5,900 people through primary healthcare services, alongside referrals, physiotherapy, medicines and assistive devices where needed.  

Mental health and wellbeing are also a key focus. More than 12,600 people are expected to access mental health and psychosocial support, including counselling, community-based activities and home visits for people who may struggle to reach services. 

 

Helping communities develop their own solutions 

In Palestine, community members will help lead eight locally driven initiatives expected to benefit more than 10,000 people. The initiatives may address access to food, water, healthcare, protection or other essential services. 

Older people and people with disabilities will play an active role in shaping and implementing these practical community solutions. 

 

Safer homes and stronger protection 

The project will support people in Syria and Palestine to access safer and more dignified shelter, as well as essential household items. 

In Syria and Lebanon, more than 1,100 people are expected to access protection services that respond to risks linked to age, disability and gender-based violence, including case management, awareness raising and referrals to specialist support. 

 

Through this project older people and people with disabilities across the region will access essential support while simultaneously help shape the services and community solutions that affect their lives. 

Our humanitarian work in the Middle East

The HelpAge global network works across several countries providing emergency aid in the Middle East.

Learn more