UMatter chatline launched to support youth mental health in Trinidad and Tobago
A safe space for young people to seek support when they need it most
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 19 August 2025 – With rising concerns around the mental health of young people, a new text-based chatline, UMatter Trinidad and Tobago, has been launched to provide safe, confidential and real-time support to adolescents across the country.
Developed by the Department of Behavioural Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Saint Augustine Campus, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, the service connects young people to trained volunteers who offer crisis support, referrals to services and guidance towards trusted resources.
Young people in Trinidad and Tobago face increasing challenges linked to depression, anxiety, trauma and suicide. While access to mental health services has improved, stigma and limited care-seeking behaviours remain barriers. UMatter has been designed to help close this gap, providing support at young people’s fingertips.
The service is powered by the Weni digital platform, enabling volunteers, supervisors and project staff to coordinate effectively. A team of volunteers from UWI’s Faculty of Social Sciences – many of whom are students in psychology, mediation, social work and youth development – have received specialised training to provide digital peer support. UNICEF and the Ministry of Health have also supported the recruitment of a counselling psychologist and project officer to strengthen delivery and oversight.
Dr Priya Laloo, Acting Chief Medical Officer, revealed the U-Matter helpline was one of many big plans for mental health reform in the twin island republic. She disclosed plans on behalf of Minister of Health Rishad Seecheran to decriminalize suicide and integrate mental health and psychological support into the country’s disaster response strategy.
“While today’s launch is a major milestone, it is only one part of our broader vision for mental health in TT,” said Laloo.
“We will continue to strengthen our government structures by establishing the national mental health committee,” the CMO added.
Maryam Abdu, UNICEF's Chief of Social Policy expressed concern that mental illnesses - 50 percent of which begin by age 14 - were being exacerbated by factors like violence and crime. The senior humanitarian official pledged the organization's commitment to working with partners like the government of Trinidad and Tobago to address the issues.
"It’s really heartening to see psychological well-being given the weight and importance that it deserves. It’s critical to young people’s lives and to their futures," said Abdu.
