The Alex Panton Foundation is reminding the local community that there are resources and support networks available for children, teens and young adults dealing with mental health concerns.
Following the recent death of a teenager in Cayman, the foundation says it wants to highlight that help is at hand on island, through a variety of in-person, online and phone resources.
The National Drug Council’s Cayman Islands Student Drug Use Survey in 2020 indicated that one in six local students had seriously considered suicide, and a 2021 report from the World Health Organization showed that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds across the globe, the foundation noted.
In a statement issued on Friday, consultant clinical psychologist Dr. Erica Lam, a board member of the Alex Panton Foundation, said, “It is imperative that young people and their families know where to turn for support and guidance, particularly during such a challenging time. The Alex Panton Foundation initiatives have been developed based on local data through the collaborative efforts of policymakers, practitioners and organisations, committed to creating lasting change.”
The foundation is sharing the following list of support groups it will be hosting in the coming weeks, as well as organisations and services available more broadly, for people affected by mental health issues. It advises anyone who is currently struggling and needs immediate assistance to call emergency services on 911.
Support groups
Bereavement Support Group
Facilitator: April Lewis
Ages: 18+
When: Every Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm
Active dates: 24 Feb.-31 March
Where: Counselling Centre, Unit 4, 68 Mary Street, George Town
Email: [email protected]
Teen Talk virtual support group
Facilitator: Dr Shari Smith
Ages: 13-17
When: Every other Saturday, 1-2pm
Current dates: 5 March, 19 March, 2 April, 16 April, and 30 April
Where: via Zoom (link provided upon registry)
Website: https://alexpantonfoundation.ky/teen-talk/
Email: [email protected]
Breaking Barriers support group
Facilitator: Shane Purcell
Ages: 18-30
When: Every Saturday, 12:30-2pm
Where: Parcel 110, 3rd Floor, Royal Plaza, 40 Cardinall Avenue, George Town
Website: https://alexpantonfoundation.ky/support/
Email: [email protected]
Community resources
Cayman Islands Crisis Centre
Kids Helpline: 649-KIDS (5437)
Department of Counselling Services
Tel: 949-8789
Website: https://www.dcs.gov.ky/our-services
Email: [email protected]
Family Resource Centre
Tel: 949-0006
Website: http://www.frc.gov.ky/
Email: [email protected]
HSA Mental Health Services
Tel: 949-5600
Website: https://hsa.ky/services-specialties/outpatient/
Private services providers
Achieve Cayman
Tel: Teena 327-9999 | Trisha 321-4100
Web: https://achievecayman.com/contact-us
Aspire Therapeutic Services
Tel: 743-6700
Website: https://aspire.ky/
Email: [email protected]
Bethesda Counselling Centre
Tel: 946-6575 / 923-6488
Website: http://caymanetherapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=74
Email: [email protected]
BHAC (Behavioural Health Associates Cayman)
Tel: 746-0066
Website: https://bhac.ky/
Email: [email protected]
Cathy Alberga
Tel: 945-6570
Website: https://www.caymanhealth.com/listing/alberga-catherine/
Hope Academy Clinical Services
Tel: 769-4673
Website: https://www.hopecayman.com/clinical-services.html
Email: [email protected]
Infinite Mindcare
Tel: 926-0882
Website: https://www.infinitemindcare.com/adolescents
Email: [email protected]
Kidsability Ltd.
Tel: 943 5437
Website: https://kidsability.ky/clinical-psychology-services/
Email: [email protected]
Life Options Counselling Services
Tel: 940-LIFE (5433)
Website: https://www.lifeoptions.ky/
Email: [email protected]
OnCourse Cayman
Tel: 745-6463
Website: https://oncoursecayman.com/services/
Email: [email protected]
The Wellness Centre
Tel: 949-9355
Website: https://wellnesscentre.ky/our-services/
Email: [email protected]
International resources with online support
Befrienders Worldwide
Website: https://www.befrienders.org/
Grassroots Suicide Prevention
Website: https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/
Related Videos
