Caribbean youth now have central hub for mental health

Children and young people from 17 countries across the Caribbean now have access to the Caribbean’s first comprehensive regional mental health resources support website: www.youngcaribbeanminds.com. The initiative was launched and spearheaded by UNICEF, USAID, and Let’s Unpack It, in collaboration with governments and young people from 17 Caribbean countries, The University of the West Indies, The Healthy Caribbean Coalition and Caribbean Airlines.

Developed based on research indicating a need for increased mental health support, the website includes resources such as Directories of Government Mental Health Services for 17 countries and Young Caribbean Minds: A Technology-enhanced Mental Health and Well-being Workbook co-authored by young people from 17 countries. The website also features other mental health resources such as games, videos, apps, and courses. Users of the website will also stand a chance to win incentive awards of two travel tickets courtesy Caribbean Airlines and $500 USD courtesy UNICEF.

At the launch event, UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean Area, Pieter Bult said: "We are thrilled to collaborate with multiple sectors to bolster young people's mental health in the Caribbean. This initiative signifies the growing importance placed on mental well-being. By providing young people with the tools and space they need, we pave the way for a brighter future.”

The Honourable Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs), Trinidad and Tobago, Ayanna Webster-Roy, emphasized the importance of supporting youth mental health. "We are committed to building up our children and creating spaces where they can thrive," declared Minister Webster-Roy.

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) emerged as a strong supporter of the initiative. The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Martin Aeberli, highlighted the programme's alignment with their commitment to education, community, and well-being. CAL has pledged to assist in distributing the mental health workbooks regionally and is sponsoring a unique opportunity - two complimentary tickets to a CAL destination – for one lucky young person who completes the workbook.

David Johnson, President of Let's Unpack It, asserted that “Access to support and high-quality resources is key to preventing poor mental health outcomes amongst children and youth.” His statements then set the stage for the dynamic "Regional Activate Talk" on mental health solutions, featuring the Let's Unpack It and UNICEF Mental Health Focal Points.

In introducing the resources, Bertrand Moses, Child Protection Officer (MHPSS), UNICEF, stated that the resources were developed based on a UNICEF U-Report survey indicating that 73% of young people felt the need to reach out for mental health support, thus needing guidance on how to access support. To support the use of the resources, UNICEF will provide an incentive of a $500 USD Award to a school or organization that uses the workbook resource with children and young people in group settings. For more information, visit the “WIN” section on the mental health support website, www.youngcaribbeanminds.com.