Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said mental health is no longer a topic that can be overlooked during the start of a Train the Trainer Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Workshop this morning, October 7, 2024. Photo: Facebook/Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

The five-day Train the Trainer Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Workshop is a Cash and Voucher Preparedness Capacity-Building Initiative funded by the British Red Cross in partnership with UNICEF. Participants present at the workshop came from neighbouring islands and as far as the United Kingdom. Photo: Facebook/Hon Vincent O. Wheatley

Health and Social Development Minister Hon Vincent O Wheatley told participants of a Train the Trainer Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Workshop on October 7, 2024, that by the end of the workshop they will be equipped to provide invaluable support, not only here in The Virgin Islands but also across the wider Caribbean and British Overseas Territories. Photo: Facebook/Hon Vincent O Wheatley

The Health Minister was giving remarks at the start of a Train the Trainer Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Workshop this morning, October 7, 2024.

The five-day workshop is a Cash and Voucher Preparedness Capacity-Building Initiative funded by the British Red Cross in partnership with UNICEF. Participants present at the workshop came from neighbouring islands and as far as the United Kingdom.

Mental health can no longer be overlooked- Hon Wheatley

“Over the past few years, we have seen the profound impact that disasters, emergencies, and global crises can have on mental health, particularly in regions like ours, where the threat of hurricanes and other challenges looms large. Mental health is no longer a topic we can afford to overlook,” Hon Wheatley said.

He continued that it is now known that effective disaster response and recovery go beyond physical infrastructure and thus, must include comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support for individuals, families and the communities they reside in.

Workshop aims to empower participants

According to Minister Wheatley, this workshop marks a significant milestone in the journey toward better mental health support.

Train the Trainer Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Workshop’s primary objective is to empower participants with necessary skills needed to become trainers in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support.

Hon Wheatley told participants that by the end of the workshop they will be “undoubtedly equipped to provide invaluable support, not only here in The Virgin Islands but also across the wider Caribbean and British Overseas Territories. This is no small feat. What you learn here will multiply – creating a ripple effect that strengthens mental health systems across our region, ensuring that those who need it most receive timely and effective support.”

He encouraged participants to embrace the duration of the workshop with an open mind and a spirit of collaboration as the workshop serves as a pivotal step in collective efforts to expands support networks.

Committed to prioritising mental health

Meanwhile, the Minister said he recognises the vital role mental health plays in the Virgin Islands’ overall development and resilience and said the government is committed to prioritising mental health in the VI’s national policies.

“The knowledge and skills you will gain here will be invaluable, not just in times of crisis but in addressing the everyday challenges our communities face. I trust that together; we can make mental health support a cornerstone of disaster preparedness and response. Let us use this opportunity to not only learn but to also build lasting partnerships that will benefit our respective countries for years to come,” he stated.