The Cayman Islands has made a significant move toward launching a locally adapted version of the Mental Health First Aid program. This initiative, organized by the Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund and supported by the Alex Panton Foundation, recently hosted a week of intensive training for 14 local participants.
The event, known as Mental Health First Aid Mentoring Week, included discussions and workshops aimed at tailoring the program to the cultural context of the Cayman Islands. Two representatives from Mental Health First Aid International flew to Grand Cayman to offer expert guidance, helping participants review the training curriculum and explore ways to implement the program effectively in the community.
Mental Health First Aid is an internationally recognized training that teaches individuals to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues. It is similar to CPR but focuses on mental health emergencies instead of physical health crises.
“This program has the potential to transform how our community responds to mental health challenges,” said Rhonda Kelly, founder of the Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund. “By empowering people with the skills to support mental wellness, we’re building a more compassionate, informed, and resilient Cayman Islands.”
The program aims to increase mental health literacy, providing individuals with the knowledge to offer initial support to someone facing a mental health crisis—whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or community member.
With the successful completion of the mentoring week, the next step is the full launch of the Mental Health First Aid training across the Cayman Islands. The focus now is on developing a localized curriculum that reflects the unique needs and experiences of the community. This will help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, making it more understood and prioritized across the islands.
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