CARICOM launches Mental Health First-Aid Programme to equip vital skills among Youth Practitioners

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has announced the launch of a new Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Programme in September 2024. The programme is aimed at equipping the youth practitioners with an important skill so as to support the young people around them that are facing several mental health challenges.

During the programme training will be provided to youth directors, development workers, and leaders across the region so that they can further promote mental health awareness and can immediately help someone suffering.

The MHFA Programme by CARICOM will be offered free of charge and will include training of six-weeks. This programme is set to provide the young minds with an experiential learning approach and hands-on fieldwork.

The main aim to target the youth officers and leaders of all the CARICOM states is to make them equipped with tools and knowledge so that they can become the first responders in situation where someone needs mental health advice.

Michele Small-Bartley, Programme Manager for Youth Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, shared, “Our goal is to prepare and empower our youth directors, youth officers and youth leaders across the Community to recognise and address the needs of these individuals, ensuring that those in need receive the care and guidance they require.”

She further added that this programme has been designed to enable participants to effectively address mental health issues among youth in real-world situations, foster healthier and more resilient communities.

“We look forward to active participation from the Region’s youth stakeholders in this initiative. The Secretariat is excited about MFHA’s potential positive impact on youth and effectively preparing our communities to navigate mental health challenges,” stated Michele Small-Bartley.

The representatives of CARICOM shared that this initiative is undertaken as the part of CARICOM’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health support. Under this they will be targeting the youth of the region under the Caribbean Communities.

This initiative came into development following the success of programmes that focused on addressing climate change and economic advocacy.