- Do Your Share campaign reaches more students, teachers
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Thursday, June 20, 2024: The Ministry of Health and Wellness earlier today undertook another of its school Wellness Check-Ins, this time at the Aabuthnott Gallimore High School in St. Ann.
The Wellness Check-In – done as part of the ongoing Do Your Share mental wellness campaign and undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth – also saw the school receiving a donation of a Wellness Bench, a symbol for the promotion, creation and maintenance of safe spaces for children and youth as well as adults.
Dr. Judith Leiba, Director of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, led students and teachers through a series of mental health exercises while emphasising the need to secure safe spaces/activities/and individuals, as part of safeguarding their wellness.
“There are a lot of times when we feel depressed or anxious and like there is no one there for us to talk to or to share our hardships with. We want to help you to tackle those feelings through this programme,” she said.
“This Wellness Bench here today symbolises the availability of a safe space for you whenever you are ‘in your feelings’. It is also an ever so gentle reminder that there is help available for you, in support of your wellness,” Leiba added.
The visit also saw youngsters benefitting from a small group session led by Dr. Michelle Campbell, child and adolescent mental health specialist, together with the handover of a Mental Wellness Toolkit intended to provide youngsters with an additional resource to support their mental wellness.
The toolkit, now available on the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ YouTube channel, is a four-part video series looking at the dimensions of health, notably the mental, the physical, the spiritual and the social.
Other resources include:
- the 888-SAFE-SPOT (888-723-3776) helpline for children up to 18 years old, which can also be accessed via WhatsApp at 876-439-5199 or through direct message @safespotja on Snapchat and Instagram; and
- the U-Matter Chatline for 16-24 years olds that is accessible by texting SUPPORT to 876-838-4897, and via Instagram and Facebook Messenger @ureportjamaica.
There is also the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Helpline, 888-NEW-LIFE (888-639- 5433); and the Health Ministry’s mental health website at https://www.moh.gov.jm/mental-health-wellness/.