The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has launched a new online Youth Mental Health First Aid Programme aimed at strengthening mental health support for young people across the region.
Programme Manager for Youth Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Michele Small-Bartley, underscored the urgent need for greater assistance for youths struggling with emotional challenges that continue to impact their mental well-being.
The initiative seeks to address a critical support gap by enhancing the capacity of youth directors, youth workers/officers, and youth leaders within CARICOM Member States.
In a report earlier this week, Small-Bartley noted that research has shown mental health issues among young people have significantly increased, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have recognised that there is a need in the Caribbean for support for young people. We would have seen from all the research, that subsequent to COVID that mental health has increased tremendously among our young people and the research has also shown insufficient support for these persons across the Caribbean,” she stated.
The programme will equip frontline youth professionals with the skills to identify early signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, enabling them to intervene before issues escalate.
She explained, “The online programme is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to become first responders and assist youth in navigating emotional challenges that may result from crises or social issues such as natural disasters, violence or economic instability.
A further component of the initiative involves trained responders passing on their knowledge to other young people. This peer-training model will help extend mental health support across communities, government ministries working with youth, and organisations delivering youth programmes.
“Our goal is to empower participants with the tools they need to effectively support the mental well-being of the youth they serve. We can foster healthier and more resilient communities by building the capacity of youth directors, workers and leaders. This initiative is crucial in ensuring our youth have the support they need during challenging times,” the programme manager stated.
The launch marks a significant step forward in addressing youth mental health across the Caribbean, by ensuring those who work closely with young people are prepared to offer meaningful, informed assistance.
