Mental health chatline launched in Trinidad and Tobago

Port-of-Spain - 19 August 2024 - Young people in Trinidad and Tobago facing mental health challenges now have a new lifeline: a dedicated chatline offering support and resources.

The initiative comes in response to a growing concern about the mental wellbeing of youth in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, which has seen a significant rise in mental health issues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with UNICEF and The University of the West Indies (UWI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 5th, 2024, at The UWI St. Augustine Campus to establish this critical service.

This chatline aims to improve access to mental health support for adolescents across Trinidad and Tobago. It places text-based support, referrals, and information on mental health resources and services at the fingertips of young people. Trained volunteers, specially equipped by the UWI St. Augustine Department of Behavioural Sciences, will be available to provide support.

The initiative seeks to mitigate the impact of risk factors like stress, violence, suicide, and drug abuse among young people.

Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh congratulated all partners involved and emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort. “This venture is a realization of a whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach to dealing with the issue of suicide,” he stated.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, expressed her gratitude to all involved and highlighted the importance of addressing mental health challenges in children and young adults.

Head of the Department of Behavioural Sciences at UWI St. Augustine, Dr. Talia Esnard, explained the department's crucial role in training and supervising volunteers. "We are driven by the need to improve the lives of people and communities," she said. "Our involvement in this initiative is an extension of that purpose."

Child Protection Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) at UNICEF's Eastern Caribbean Area Office Bertrand Moses, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to mental health services.

"According to the World Health Organization, 50% of mental health disorders begin at age 14," he said. "This chatline seeks to address these challenges at a critical stage in a young person's life."

The launch follows three successful Mental Health Chatline Training Workshops held at The UWI St. Augustine Campus in June and July 2024. A total of 67 students and graduates from the Department of Behavioural Sciences participated in this intensive training program to become chatline volunteers.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration to ensure the accessibility and sustainability of this vital initiative.

For more information about youth mental health and resources, visit youngcaribbeanminds.com