ST VINCENT AND the Grenadines (SVG) is one of four regional countries which today are launching a helpline application to make it easier for children to obtain psycho-social support.

This is in response to the anxiety and stress that are still being experienced in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the recent volcanic eruptions which are taking a toll on the mental health of Vincentians, a release from the Ministry of National Mobilisation and Social Development states. Kesley Cambridge, Counsellor in that ministry is continuing awareness campaigns through the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre and the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders offering psychosocial support are employing new measures to help citizens cope. However, there is still concern about the local perception of mental health.

“What we’re seeing is that persons don’t necessarily like to be seen going into a particular office because you know, that office is associated with persons who might have an issue, or sexual abuse, or all these different types of abuse that are presenting themselves with children,” he said.

The counsellor further noted that with increased education and acceptance of the importance of good mental health, more and more Vincentians are getting help.

In addition to SVG, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Grenada are today launching the “MyChild Helpline” App.

“So this App will dismantle all of that, and be able to allow that young person to enter into a safe space, a safe virtual space to receive help,” Cambridge explained.

The MyChild Helpline App is an innovative way to provide remote mental health and psychosocial support to children and their families.

It is available on Google Play and the App store.