Mental health hotline launched

A mental health hotline – 264-7151 – is now up and running to offer help to callers under stress from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Launched on Wednesday by the Centre for Counselling Addiction Support Alternatives (CASA), hotline coordinator Sarah Stennett said: “The world has changed rapidly in the last year, people are going through a lot especially here in Barbados. The role of the helpline is to serve Barbadians and provide listening services.

“This is not a replacement for any mental health professional services and people should still access theirs and when they need it.

“The helpline is there so people can call without fear of being judged without fear of being stigmatized.”

Stennett said the 264-7151 hotline will be run for one year initially and will be facilitated nightly, seven days a week from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. It will be managed by qualified, mental health trained staff with years of experience in this field both in Barbados and other countries.

She said: “Sometimes people are scared to access help in fear of what people might say or they might not know how to ask for help, or where to go for help. People can call the helpline and ask for help… When people go through hard times you just need a listening ear and support and that’s what we are here to do.”

The minister for the third sector, Labour and Social Relations Minister Colin Jordan, praised the initiative.

He said: “People under pressure will attempt to find ways to cope. It is a natural inclination and it’s one that must be present if one is to survive in the world…Today, CASA is being relevant and is doing something about the issue. You are providing a confidential means for persons who need to speak with someone, but who may not wish to be seen going into a counselling facility, to get the listening ear and wise counsel that is necessary in these circumstances.”
(kobiebroomes@barbadostoday.bb)