Guyana Foundation hosts mental health workshop in Suddie

Mar 03, 2018 News

Sunrise Centre Manager, Miriam Hinds (4th from left, front row) poses with staff, volunteers and participants in the Mental Health workshop

As mental health continues to be a prime issue of concern in Guyana, the Guyana Foundation continues in its quest to be a driving force in the promotion of good mental health and holistic wellness.

On February 27 and 28, staff and volunteers of the Guyana Foundation’s Sunrise Centre conducted a two-day workshop at the Richard Faikal Police College at Suddie on the Essequibo Coast. The workshop took the form of group discussions, role plays, introspection exercises and games, all with the objective of having a better understanding of mental health – primarily the mental health of men. The aspiring police officers participated fully in all of the activities, where many of them shared some of their own personal struggles, not only as it relates to mental health but also to achieving personal success.

Some of the topics covered were understanding self; benefits of knowing who you are; identifying personal strengths, weakness and values; factors that shape and build individuals’ self-esteem; what it means to be successful; setting smart life goals; how negative life experiences influence the present; understanding cultural norms as it relates to men; understanding mental health, and factors that affect individuals’ mental health.

Overall, the sessions were considered successful, as persons took time to share what were some of the points throughout the workshop that resonated with them and how they intend to apply the knowledge moving forward in their personal lives and career.

In her closing remarks to the participants, Manager of the Sunrise Centre, Ms. Miriam Hinds told the young men, “if you are going to be successful in the road ahead, you first need to deal with those things in your live that may potentially serve as obstacles to your success. This means that you must be true to who you are and be honest about your feelings.” She added, “if you are going to be effective in serving others, then you must also be willing to be served, which means, if you recognize that you need help, then get the help that you need, knowing that it will not make you less of a man”.

The session ended with participants expressing gratitude to the organization. A follow-up session is slated for March 27, where the recruits will demonstrate through role play what they would have learnt during the two-day exercise.

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