The COVID-19 pandemic has caused stress and disruption for many individuals across the world and in the Caribbean. Public health actions such as physical distancing, aimed at stopping the spread of the virus, can make people feel isolated and lonely while increasing stress and anxiety, including suicidal thoughts and feelings, in various subgroups of the population. Some of the affected subgroups include young single mothers, those with existing mental illness, persons living below the poverty line, and marginalized groups such as informal workers, immigrants, LGBT persons and sex workers. This stress can manifest itself in many ways. It can lead to people having fears about their own health or that of family members, their financial or job situation, or where they will get social support services from. It can also result in sleep loss or challenges concentrating; worsening of mental health conditions or chronic health problems, or increased use of alcohol and other substances.
In a bid to address these issues, the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) and the Sweet Water Foundation have partnered to ensure vulnerable communities in the Eastern Caribbean have access to professional counseling services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is being made available through funding from the Open Society Foundations and with the kind support of the Sandals Foundation. CVC’s Head of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Dr. John Waters points out that making the counselling services available free of charge is crucial to helping people deal with the stress of the pandemic. “Some of us may feel more super human than others, but we are all still human in the end. We all come to the end of the line at some point, no matter how strong and resilient we may think we are. This COVID situation has pushed us all close to the edge. You are not weak because you seek support and help. You are only human. At CVC we are human too, so we understand. We have partnered with Sweet Water to ensure that you can receive professional support to help you through this,” said Waters.
Meanwhile, Co-Founder and Director of the Sweet Water Foundation, Dr. Hazel Da Breo says her foundation is proud to partner with the other organizations to provide help to those in need. She notes, “When speaking with friends, I often muse that during the lockdown challenges of Covid, people have revealed themselves to be who they really are. No less so with agencies, and social justice organizations. Sweet Water Foundation has been an ally of CVC for more than a decade. This year, we have witnessed them dig in and come forward even stronger than before, and we are so proud to be a partner. Similarly, Sandals Foundation has sponsored our Helplines from their inception, and in these difficult times Sandals has not faltered. We are thrilled to put this project in place together,” said Da Breo.
Sandals Foundation has been sponsoring the Sweet Water helplines for many years and Executive Director, Heidi Clarke says the foundation is happy to be a part of this latest initiative to help people cope with the challenges brought on by the Covid 19 pandemic. “2020 has presented uncharted waters for everyone, but it is important for persons to know they are not alone. The services of a helpline provide a listening ear, objective perspective, guidance and reassurance that there is hope. I am pleased with the agility of the Sweet Water team to see the growing need and pivot into a wider scope of support for Grenadians. The Sandals Foundation is proud to be a sponsor and will continue to do our part to help families and communities recover stronger than before. I encourage those in need to reach out to the team at the Helpline and help them help you,” said Clarke.
The helpline is now operational, so if you’re feeling isolated, stressed, anxious, depressed, or lonely, our team of volunteer professional counselors and psychologists are here to assist you. Call us or send a WhatsApp or Text message and state that you’re requesting a COVID-19 session, so it will be channeled and set up totally free of charge. The counselling services can be accessed using the numbers below:
Mobile: 473-404-HELP (WhatsApp, Text, or Telephone)
Mobile: 473-537-STOP (WhatsApp, Text, or Telephone)
Landline: 473-800-4444 (Telephone only)