The CayMind mental health helpline is back in operation after a technical issue with a mobile phone provider caused a recent interruption, according to the service’s founder, community psychiatric nurse Dympna Carten.
The Cayman Compass received reports from residents that calls to the confidential support line were going unanswered. Call logs shared with the Compass by one resident suggest the service was unavailable for about eight days between late May and early June.
Carten said the problem appears to have been linked to a technical capacity issue affecting the telephone system.
“Currently only 10 call-taker numbers can be added to the service, and with two volunteers on each night, it appears the calls were not going through as expected,” she said.
Carten explained that she was off island for two weeks dealing with a family medical issue and that the organisation was unaware there was a problem.
“We don’t always know when there is a problem because we don’t always check every night to confirm that calls are going through, but we plan to check to make sure it is working as expected going forward,” she said.
She confirmed that the CayMind helpline is now functioning normally.
Originally established by the Cayman Islands Government during the COVID-19 pandemic, CayMind provides free, confidential emotional support for adults experiencing stress, anxiety, emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Trained volunteers offer a listening ear, emotional support and guidance to additional resources, while helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
The service operates Monday through Friday from 6pm to 11pm and can be reached by calling 1-800-534-6463 or 1-800-534-MIND.
New volunteers sought
Carten said the organisation is seeking new volunteers to serve as call takers. A new training programme is planned for late September, with volunteers receiving internationally recognised Samaritan training through CayMind’s membership of Befrienders Worldwide.
“The helpline aims to help individuals cope with day-to-day struggles, mental health challenges and reduce deaths by suicide in the Cayman Islands,” Carten said. “It’s essential to recognise what you’re feeling, feel respected and know that it’s okay not to feel okay. Remember that reaching out for help is a courageous step. CayMind is here to listen, support and signpost people to available resources.”
While calls are treated as confidential, CayMind notes that confidentiality may be broken if a caller is believed to be at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, or where a child or vulnerable person is at risk of abuse or neglect.
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