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Alex Panton Foundation invites Cayman restaurants to ‘Dine for Minds’

This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Alex Panton Foundation is calling on restaurants across the Cayman Islands to take part in a new initiative aimed at fostering connection, reducing stigma and supporting mental wellbeing.
Alex Panton Foundation

Message of hope and action for youth mental health at symposium

The ninth annual Youth Mental Health Symposium run by the Alex Panton Foundation was held at Hotel Indigo on 21 Feb.

Symposium to help parents support teen mental health

The Alex Panton Foundation (APF) has announced that the 9th Annual Youth Mental Health Symposium will take place on 21 Feb. at Hotel Indigo, Grand Cayman.

Cayman’s parenting crisis: a silent struggle behind closed doors

Rachel (not her real name) was barely more than a child herself when she became a mother. By 20, the generational Caymanian had two...

Alex Panton Foundation attends global mental health conferences

The Alex Panton Foundation's executive director Emily Kelly, and Rhonda Kelly, founder of the Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund, participated in two international...
Participants in the Mental Health First Aid Mentoring Week training. - Photo: Supplied

Cayman mental health first aid programme moves forward

The Cayman Islands recently took a major first step toward the full launch of a locally adapted 'Mental Health First Aid' programme.
mental health

Media urged to consider its role in de-stigmatising mental health

Rhonda Kelly, mother of Addison Kelly who died by suicide at age 16 in 2022, vividly recalls the experience of reading headlines about her daughter, and the wave of social media commentary on her mental health that followed in the days after her passing.

Alex Panton Foundation receives multi-year sponsorship from Dart

Dart announced on Wednesday a multi-year sponsorship of the Alex Panton Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on helping children and young people struggling with mental illness in the Cayman Islands. 

Young voters get opportunity to hear from candidates

A forum held last month enabled young people to hear from candidates in this year's election and question them on issues they consider important.

Recovering addict on mission to inspire others

Rich Barnes has been touring schools and organisations in Cayman to share his story in the hopes of reaching those who are similarly battling addiction.

Help is a phone call away with launch of Cayman Kids Helpline

With the launch of a new helpline serving adolescents, both young people and adults will have access to free, confidential mental health resources.

Youth mental health forum focuses on ‘building bridges’

The Alex Panton Foundation hosted its seventh annual Youth Mental Health Symposium on 17 Feb., focusing on 'building bridges'.

Managing holiday stress

Christmas is a delightful time of the year for many, but it also can create mental health challenges for those who struggle to cope with loss of every kind from relationships to relatives.

Jonny Gibson to run 50-miles for mental health strugglers

Jonny Gibson is looking to give back to those suffering from mental health issues by pacing himself for 50.5 miles from Starfish Point in North Side to Papagallo in West Bay this Sunday, 17 Dec.

RBC 5K charity run set to benefit youth

Those looking to add another 5-kilometre charity run/walk to their 2023 schedule, can now mark 16 April on their calendar, when the first-ever in-person...
Emma Parker of Sidekick Business Development with Abigail and Peter Goddard starting the cycle challenge. - IMG Trust

IMG raises $10,000 for four local charities

The Alex Panton Foundation, Jasmine, Cayman Cancer Society and NCVO have received a total of $10,000 from a fundraising event held by IMG Trust Company. The money, which was divided equally between the non-profit organisations, was raised by IMG at the STEP conference which took place at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in January.

Youth mental health symposium to focus on trauma

The Alex Panton Foundation has announced that the theme of this year's Youth Mental Health Symposium will be 'Let's talk about trauma'.

Alex’s Place opens doors to help Cayman’s struggling youth

Cayman has opened its first adolescent-specific mental health hub, Alex's Place, in memory of teenager Alex Panton. 

Bullying victims credit basketball with changing their lives

Several teenagers who play basketball under the guidance of Cory McGee’s ‘Breakfast Club Cayman Islands’ have now found confidence in their appearance and abilities through the sport. However, it wasn’t always like that.

Going green for St. Patrick’s Day

Can you believe it's March already? The year is flying by, and already the red hearts of Valentine's Day have been replaced by the...

Greenlight Re Donates US$25,000 to the Financial Assistance Programme

The Alex Panton Foundation (“APF”) is pleased to announce that they are the gracious recipient of a generous donation of US$25,000 from Greenlight Reinsurance Ltd (“Greenlight Re”) in support of their Financial Assistance Programme.

Cayman’s children struggling amid pandemic

Being a teenager isn’t easy. Now, added into the mix are the stresses and strains of a two-year global pandemic, with the related isolation due to lockdowns and quarantines, increased anxiety over academic performance while homeschooling, and heightened tensions at home as parents struggle to make ends meet amid job losses and reduced work hours.

Teens to speak to politicians on challenges facing Cayman’s youth

Teenagers who highlighted some of the the myriad struggles facing Cayman's young people at the Alex Panton Foundation Youth Mental Health symposium over the weekend soon will be bringing their message to local politicians.

Youth mental health hub to open this summer

A new mental health hub specifically for children and adolescents will be launched this summer at the Cayman Islands Hospital, health officials have confirmed.

Youth Mental Health Symposium to be held this weekend

The Alex Panton Foundation's fifth annual Youth Mental Health Symposium, set for Saturday, 19 Feb., will focus on how people are dealing with the struggles and challenges of living through the pandemic.

Mental health support and resources available throughout Cayman

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.

Step Right Up for the Alex Panton Foundation

On Saturday, 29 May, join Rotary Central in the Grand Cayman Marriott Ballroom for a circus-themed night, designed to raise money for the Alex...

Conyers Dill & Pearman donate to Youth Ambassadors Programme

The Alex Panton Foundation (“APF”) kindly received sponsorship from Conyers Dill & Pearman for the Youth Ambassadors Programme (“YAP”). This CI$4,000 has been donated by Conyers in sole sponsorship of the Youth Ambassadors’ many initiatives and projects.

Health minister opens up about painful childhood

Health Minister Dwayne Seymour recently opened up about his childhood and the challenges he faced growing up with a father struggling with mental health issues.

Lockhart: Mental health impact of COVID-19 ‘significant’

Local health experts say the mental health impact of COVID-19 on the Cayman Islands community is "significant" - even as scientific data continues to...

Decriminalising suicide is just a first step

In December, the Cayman Islands government decriminalised suicide in the islands. The move has been hailed as a victory that helps remove the stigma often associated with mental illness. But campaigners say it is just the beginning of the legal and mindset changes required to ensure people with serious mental health conditions get the help they need.

COVID increases anxiety, holiday blues

Local psychologists have noted an increase in mental health challenges and expect it to continue over the holiday period as travel remains limited due to health protocols.

Teens talk mental health in Cayman

Several Youth Ambassadors from John Gray High School, Clifton Hunter High School and Cayman International School spoke with the Cayman Compass about the programme and why mental health matters to them.

Cayman youth connect for mental health

On Saturday, around 50 teens from 12 Cayman Islands schools came together over Zoom to discuss common mental health concerns, many of which have been exacerbated during lockdown, from stress and anxiety to drugs and domestic abuse.
A new 'Stay In & Chill' Facebook page for self-isolating students invites them to take part in workshops and sessions to help them relax and stay connected with the outside world.

Self-isolating students invited to ‘Stay In and Chill’

Students who have recently returned to the island from overseas and who are in self-isolation are being invited to join a ‘Stay In & Chill’ Facebook group that offers them activities and resources to keep entertained and connected.

Symposium aims to address mental health issues

The Alex Panton Foundation (APF) held its 3rd Annual Youth Mental Health Symposium Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton to not only address the mental health issues and stigmas on island, but also the solutions to combat them.

Youth Ambassadors discuss mental health

Students from the Alex Panton Foundation Youth Ambassador Programme last week organised a series of workshops and a play that focussed on suicide, depression, anxiety and bullying.

Mental Health Symposium date announced

The Alex Panton Foundation has announced its 3rd annual Youth Mental Health Symposium will take place on 22 Feb. at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

‘The Change Project’ focusses on cyberbullying

On 25 Oct. at a red-carpet premiere at Camana Bay Cinema, Logic and Vagabond Media Group launched their new documentary video titled ‘The Change...

Training in emotional literacy for children offered to teachers

The Alex Panton Foundation is offering training to teachers on an emotional literacy programme for children this weekend.

Flexing their muscles

Schmarrah McCarthy and Dan Florek took home individual titles while Cayman Barbell Club earned team honours, all with the former world’s strongest man looking on, at the inaugural Cayman Islands Strongman competition held last weekend.
Cayman Compass is the Cayman Islands' most trusted news website. We provide you with the latest breaking news from the Cayman Islands, as well as other parts of the Caribbean.

Letter: Foundation urges conversation on suicide

The rate of attempted and actual suicide is on a rise in the Cayman Islands, particularly amongst our children and young adults.
Cayman Compass is the Cayman Islands' most trusted news website. We provide you with the latest breaking news from the Cayman Islands, as well as other parts of the Caribbean.

Letter: Reflections from England – on the subject of suicide

It’s National Suicide Prevention Week in the US, and the subject is also to the fore in the Cayman Islands. As a result of a submission by the Alex Panton Foundation, the Cayman Islands Law Reform Commission recommends that suicide should no longer be considered a crime in the Cayman Islands.
Cayman Compass is the Cayman Islands' most trusted news website. We provide you with the latest breaking news from the Cayman Islands, as well as other parts of the Caribbean.

Suicide bereavement group to meet weekly

A free, weekly support group will offer an outlet to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Mental health foundation begins programmes for teens and children

Cayman’s leading youth mental health advocacy group is gaining momentum with the addition of two new programmes tailored to the needs of young adults, teens and children.

Three charities spotlighted for Deputy Governor’s 5K

Three Cayman charities focussed on social needs within the community were announced Thursday as the beneficiaries of this year’s Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge.

Teens panel to explore stress and anxiety

Peer pressure surrounding social media, societal expectations, self-esteem issues and exams will be among the topics discussed Thursday during a Child Month teen panel focussed on coping with stress.

Island Heritage’s CharityDrive back on the road

Island Heritage Insurance is gearing up for its annual CharityDrive, set this year for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Series to tackle bullying behaviour

Clinical psychologist Erica Lam says children who are bullied are at greater risk for attempting suicide.

Paint Cayman green for Saint Patrick

In case you had not heard, this is the weekend to celebrate the Emerald Isle with festivities, pints of Guinness and lots of live music. You do not have to be Irish to appreciate the craic, which will be apparent when you spy the melting pot of cultures joining in the fun.

Survey: One in three Cayman youth contemplates suicide

The Alex Panton Foundation has released data suggesting that a third of Cayman’s youth are thinking about self-harm and suicide.
Cayman Compass is the Cayman Islands' most trusted news website. We provide you with the latest breaking news from the Cayman Islands, as well as other parts of the Caribbean.

Public invited to bullying presentations

The Ministry of Community Affairs and the Alex Panton Foundation announced this week that they will hold a series of community presentations in coming months to address bullying and issues facing young men at risk.

Youth mental health takes center stage

The state of mental health in the Cayman Islands came under close scrutiny on Saturday, when concerned adults from all walks of life met at the Marriott for the second annual Mental Health Symposium.
Cayman Compass is the Cayman Islands' most trusted news website. We provide you with the latest breaking news from the Cayman Islands, as well as other parts of the Caribbean.

Lineup named for mental health symposium

Organizers have announced the lineup of speakers for the second annual Youth Mental Health Symposium, which will take place at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort on Feb. 23.

Junior achievers sell bags for charity

Island Totes, Dart’s Junior Achievement company, recently completed its immersion into the business world with a sale of 82 tote bags.

Alex Panton Foundation formed to fight youth mental illness

When Alex Panton took his own life at age 16, the impact rippled through the community.

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