Vincentian youth are now more aware of mental health issues because of The Mind Matters SVG campaign.
During the month of July, youths were engaged in mental health awareness presentations entitled, “Understanding mental health and mental illness” during summer programmes at SVG Save the Children Fund (Vinsave), Streams of Power church and the local Coast Guard Service.
On Friday August, 4, 2017 children of the Urban Youth Arts and Sports Summer Program and Cathedral of the Assumption Children’s Summer Camp showcased how sports and art can be used to maintain/ improve one’s mental health after presentations addressing these topics through, sporting activities and drawings respectively.
In the afternoon, adults learned exercise techniques that help to manage stress, anxiety and depression.
The Mind Matters SVG campaign, a non – profit campaign supporting mental health awareness of Vincentians, was founded in 2016 by teacher Ms. Jodie Dennie, after increased violent acts involving persons with a history of mental illness occurred on the island.
The campaign was launched on April 7, 2017 on World Health day.
The Mind Matters SVG was approved by the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keizer – Beache.
The summer initiatives were made possible through the agreement of the summer programme facilitators as well as the participation of medical students from the American University of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and fitness trainer, Mr. Gary Constantine.
