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In times of great crisis, the need for a strong and supportive community is essential. Few know this as well as Yasser El Shall.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, and immigrated to New Zealand 22 years ago, Yasser is the Service Manager for the Muslim Wellbeing Service at Kahu Tu Kaha, a Ngati Whatua organization, a not-for-profit provider of housing and mental Health Services.

With a  desire to give back to the community, Yasser has volunteered for many organizations in New Zealand including Victim Support where he worked for 10 years as a support worker supporting victims of Suicide, Homicide, Family and Domestic Violence, and Sexual Violence.

As a care giver for high risk and complex needs kids in care, Yasser received ‘The Excellence In Foster Care Award’ in 2017. In 2019, Yasser received the “Pegasus Health Champion Award” in acknowledgment of his outstanding work in supporting the victims of the Mosques shooting.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Yasser at the 2020 New Zealand Mental Health Conference, where he discussed the importance of unity, strength and resilience in times of trauma and recovery. Tune in and take a listen.