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‘Do Your Share’ campaign goes to Manning’s School

Published: June 21, 2024
The Manning’s School became the lastest educational institution to receive a Wellness Bench earlier today (June 21, 2024). The Wellness Bench is a symbol for the promotion, creation, and maintenance of safe spaces for the young and old alike.
  • Students, teachers get Wellness Check-In

 KINGSTON, Jamaica. Friday, June 21, 2024: The Ministry of Health and Wellness earlier today undertook another in its series of school Wellness Check-Ins, done as part of the ongoing Do Your Share Mental Wellness Campaign.

The latest beneficiary is the Manning’s School in Westmoreland, which has also received 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, shared with students and teachers a series of mental health tips while emphasizing the need for them to have a safe space and a safe person.

“All of us deserve to have a safe space and a safe person in support of our mental wellness. It is for this reason that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has been doing its school check-ins with students, including the donation of a Wellness Bench,” she said.

“The Wellness Bench symbolises the availability of a safe space for both young people and those of us of older age. We invite individuals and corporate entities to themselves brand or designate a wellness bench in support of our ongoing efforts to promote, create and maintain safe spaces for all,” Leiba added.

A snapshot of the audience during the Wellness Check-In at The Manning’s School earlier today (June 21, 2024).

The Manning’s School visit also saw students benefitting from a small group session led by Dr. Michelle Campbell, child and adolescent mental health specialist, as well as the handover of a Mental Wellness Toolkit – another resource to support child and adolescent mental wellness.

Available on the Ministry’s YouTube channel, the toolkit – a series of four videos –looks at the four 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/.