Archdeacon of Barbados and Chair of the National Mental Health Commission, the Venerable Eric Lynch, speaks to the media.
British visitor, Jordan, made a donation to the National Mental Health Commission and took the opportunity to show her talent by singing Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’.
Members of Dancin’ Africa Juniors performing at the National Mental Health Commission’s ‘Treasuring our Children’ Christmas concert.
IN the New Year, the National Mental Health Commission will be scaling up a key programme which will build greater support and advocacy for families and friends of persons suffering with mental illness.
Archdeacon of Barbados and Chairman of the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC), the Venerable Eric Lynch, made these comments at the free Christmas concert hosted by the NMHC under the theme “Treasuring our Children” on Sunday. He said that it was in keeping with government policy and with international standards to move mental health treatment from the Psychiatric Hospital to the communities. The free concert was just one of the public outreach events, which sought to bring more awareness to the social issue.
“We are hoping to sensitise persons through the issue of mental health and how mental health touches everyone as it were. Because our policy in Barbados is to ensure that every human being understands something about mental health – how it is driven and some of those things that help to stigmatise those that are living with mental illness,” said Archdeacon Lynch.
In her opening remarks at the concert, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joy St. John, said the purpose of the concert was to “refocus your attention on the needs of the children in our communities who are struggling to cope with the impact of mental health issues on their lives”.
Co-ordinator of mental health reform, Ms. Yvette Forde, explained that she wanted people to be aware of the needs of children dealing with mental health issues, especially around this time of year.
“We have children in Barbados that are suffering ... in situations that they should not be in. We just want the Barbadian shoppers to take the time out and stop to remember these people. Think about somebody else and see how they can help people maintain their mental health and maintain their dignity,” said Ms. Forde.
Deputy Chair of the commission and representative of the nursing association, Ms. Heather Deane, said there are children with mental health issues from as early as five and six years of age. Currently there is a child guidance clinic, which sees children every Monday at the Psychiatric Hospital.
The concert, which is in its third year, was held in Independence Square. It was previously held in Jubilee Gardens. The concert showcased the performances of Dancin’ Africa Juniors, the Royal Barbados Police Band, Richard Stoute contestants, and Mac Fingall, Red Plastic Bag, Mikey and Blood.
Master of Ceremonies, Alf Padmore, shared the message of NMHC by encouraging the audience to give monetary donations and gifts, which will go to the children with mental health issues and the children with parents who are coping with these issues.
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