The Alex Panton Foundation advises local mental health resources
The Alex Panton Foundation (APF) is expanding a list of local mental health resources available to the public.
The organization’s main goal is to raise awareness and provide support for children and young adults who have been affected by mental health issues in the Cayman Islands and have reported that youth suicide is tragically all too common.
A 2021 report by the World Health Organization ranked suicide as the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds worldwide.
In the Cayman Islands, according to the Cayman Islands Drug Use Biennial Survey 2020 (CISDUS, 2020), one in six students said they had seriously considered attempting suicide.
Dr Erica Lam, Board Member of the Alex Panton Foundation and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, said: “It is imperative that young people and their families know where to turn for support and advice, especially during such a difficult time. The initiatives of the Alex Panton Foundation have been developed on the basis of local evidence through the collaborative efforts of policy makers, practitioners and organizations, determined to create lasting change.
Those who are currently struggling and need immediate assistance should call the emergency services at 911.
The Alex Panton Foundation offers many programs to support and guide young people and their families in the Cayman Islands.
These are:
Bereavement support group
Facilitator: Ms. April Lewis
18 and over
Every Thursday, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Active dates: February 24 – March 31
Bethesda Counseling Center, Unit 4, 68 Mary Street, George Town, Grand Cayman
E-mail: [email protected]
Teen Talk Virtual Support Group
Facilitator: Dr. Shari Smith
13 to 17 years old
Every other Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Current dates: March 5, March 19, April 2, April 16 and April 30
via Zoom (link provided during registration)
Website: https://alexpantonfoundation.ky/teen-talk/
E-mail: [email protected]
Breaking Barriers Support Group
Host: Shane Purcell
18 to 30 years old
Every Saturday, from 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Plot 110, 3rd Floor Royal Plaza, 40 Cardinal Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman
Website: https://alexpantonfoundation.ky/support/
E-mail: [email protected]
There are also a number of community resources and public services available in the Cayman Islands. These include:
Cayman Islands Crisis Center
KidsHelpline: +1 (345) 649-KIDS (5437)
Consulting Services Department
The Web: https://www.dcs.gov.ky/our-services
Phone. : +1 (345) 949-8789
E-mail: [email protected]
Family Resource Center
The Web: http://www.frc.gov.ky/
Tel: +1 (345) 949-0006
E-mail: [email protected]
HSA Mental Health Services
The Web: https://hsa.ky/services-specialties/outpatient/
Tel: +1 (345) 949-5600
Private service providers offer specialized care and support services. Recommended vendors include, but are not limited to:
Reach Cayman
The Web: https://achievecayman.com/contact us
Tel: Teena +1 (345) 327-9999 | Trisha +1 (345) 321-4100
Aspire Therapy Services
The Web: https://aspire.ky/
Phone. : +1 (345) 743-6700
E-mail: [email protected]
Bethesdaadvice center
The Web: http://caymanetherapy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=74
Tel: +1 (345) 946-6575 / +1 (345) 923-6488
E-mail: [email protected]
BHAC (Behavioral Health Associates Cayman)
The Web: https://bhac.ky/
Phone. : +1 (345) 746-0066
E-mail: [email protected]
Cathy Alberga
The Web: https://www.caymanhealth.com/listing/alberga-catherine/
Tel: +1 (345) 945-6570
Hope Academy Clinical Services
The Web: https://www.hopecayman.com/clinical-services.html
Tel: +1 (345) 769-4673
E-mail: [email protected]
Infinite Mind Healing
The Web: https://www.infinitemindcare.com/adolescents
Tel: +1 (345) 926-0882
E-mail: [email protected]
Kidsability Ltd.
The Web: https://kidsability.ky/clinical-psychology-services/
Tel: +1 (345) 943 5437
E-mail: [email protected]
Life Options Consulting Services
The Web: https://www.lifeoptions.ky/
Tel: +1 (345) 940-LIFE (5433)
E-mail: [email protected]
OnCourse Cayman
The Web: https://oncoursecayman.com/services/
Phone. : +1 (345) 745-6463
E-mail: [email protected]
The wellness center
The Web: https://wellnesscentre.ky/our-services/
Tel: +1 (345) 949-9355
E-mail: [email protected]
International resources can offer effective online assistance. The APF has highlighted the following suicide prevention services:
Friends all over the world
The Web: https://www.befrienders.org/
Grassroots Suicide Prevention
The Web: https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/
For more information on the programs and services offered by the Foundation, and how to get involved, visitwww.alexpantonfoundation.ky .