TCI continues efforts to dismantle mental health stigma

‘Dismantling stigma: One Mind at a Time' is the theme of this year’s mental health month, aimed at improving community awareness and interest in mental health and wellbeing throughout the Islands.

The theme seeks to capture the complexity of the effects of external and internalised stigmatisation, a statement from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence read. By focusing on dismantling or deconstructing the foundations of stigma, the Department said it hopes to eradicate misconceptions surrounding mental health issues; increase resident’s knowledge on the prospects of having a mental health concern and increase awareness of the availability of support services and their efficacy.

The Department also wishes to increase the public’s general understanding of how behaviours and language can aide those persons who may be facing particularly low times to attain the support that is needed.

The month of activities will include: a Ministry of Health panel discussion and luncheon on May 5 at the Shore Club Resort from12pm to 2 pm; video PSA on Dismantling Stigma also May 5; and on May 12 residents are encouraged to wear green and be an advocate against mental health stigma.

The Dismantling Stigma campaign takes an innovative approach to changing attitudes and beliefs about mental health and associated complications, through life-size portraits, accompanied by accounts of people with lived experiences.

Though research is limited within the Caribbean and Atlantic region, a systematic review completed by Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence staff in collaboration with PAHO participants, found that the use of ‘social contact by partnering with local stigma fighters to share their mental health and substance use challenges and difficulties- helps to debunk stereotypes, validate the experience and encourages open and honest discussion about related disorders.

Whilst statistics highlight the complexity of the issue, the volunteers of this project bring faces and truth to an experience which many feel invalidated by, the Department said.

Since the campaign was launched in February at the Providenciales International Airport, and across social media, stigma fighters and staff have received countless messages of encouragement and appreciation for this initiative.

The Department stated that an increase in seeking support services has also been witnessed.

BY DELANA ISLES

Progress is being made in implementing an integrated solid waste project at the Wheeland dumpsite.

This is according to Hon Kyle Knowles, Member of Parliament for the Wheeland and West Caicos constituency, who told the House on April 27, that the tendering process closed on April 19.

“So, we are eagerly waiting to see what will transpire as they go through the evaluation process.”

He added: “This is one of those things that we have been wrestling with for some time and we are optimistic that the comprehensive approach that our government is taking this time around will definitely bring forth some beneficial fruit to us as we progress.”

Knowles said that along with

MP says community park and more for ED10

that is the current Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) consultation that is working in tandem, bringing on a different level of technical skill set that is drastically needed.

“We realize that the nonmanagement of the dump over the years has caused us to be at this point, but we're making progress on a daily basis.”

The government has received financing from CDB towards the cost of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Project. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of the government and upon approval by CDB and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement.

Knowles said that in getting the project fully off the ground there will be hurdles and bumps but urged residents to be a little bit more patient.

“I just want the residents and constituents of electoral district (ED10) to rest assured that we are doing our best to bring about a solution that is not just short term, but long term and that will address all of the health issues and concerns that were brought to our attention,” the MP said.

Community Park

Meanwhile, for residents of Millennium Heights, phase two, Knowles said the community park has finally made some progress.

“We are making progress in that aspect; it's been one of those areas that has been neglected for a very long time.

“So, at some point, hopefully before the end of the summer, I'm having a long conversation with the developer, and we look to have a multi-purpose recreational area in the Millennium Heights area for families, for functions and for bringing back the community spirit that we always talk about.”

He also commended one of the local telecommunications companies that has installed free Wi-Fi at one of the parks in ED10.

“This again, is when we talk about safe spaces, functional spaces for young people in the afternoon having Wi-Fi, there is essentials. Having Wi-Fi is almost like running water and power in your house now, it's a must.