(CMR) Alex Panton Foundation, a leading advocacy organization for children’s mental health in the Cayman Islands, has announced the launch of the Cayman Kids Helpline, a dedicated resource aimed at providing vital support and assistance to young people and their families facing various challenges.
The helpline was launched today, 17 February, during the Mental Health Symposium held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Jane Panton, Chair of the Alex Panton Foundation, said the Kids Helpline was launched in response to the growing need for accessible information and confidential support for children, teenagers, and their carers.
“Our Foundation recognized the importance of providing free and confidential services to youth, their parents, and other adults advocating for youth who needed help finding referral information or resources or just needed someone to talk to,” she said.
“Our goal is to provide support and information to help our community keep our children safe – from advice on children’s mental health, to support for parents and educators in helping them understand what to do if they’re worried about a child,” Panton added.
The Cayman Kids Helpline is accessible via a website, app, phone, and live online text service.
Emily Kelly, Program Manager of the Alex Panton Foundation, said the Kids Helpline launched with the website and app, were now live, and the phone line and text line would commence service on Thursday, 7 March 2024.
“The phone line and text line will open Thursday to Sunday, 3 pm – 9 pm, and will be staffed with trained volunteers who are ready to offer a compassionate ear, guidance, and assistance to young people dealing with issues such as bullying, loneliness, academic stress, family relationships, and any other concerns affecting their wellbeing,” she said.
Dr Erica Lam, Executive member of Alex Panton Foundation, said the organization had worked with local mental health professionals to create the Kids Helpline website and app content.
“The Kids Helpline website and app hosts tips, information, and advice on a range of topics and situations such as anxiety, depression, bullying, relationships, and more,” she said.
“This virtual platform will not only be an informational resource for those eager to better support the young people in their lives, but a user-friendly space for young people to learn more about themselves and their mental health,” she added.
“The Kids Helpline phone and text lines are a safe and supportive environment for young people to express their feelings and seek help. The Helpline ensures anonymity, encouraging children to reach out without fear of judgment. Those who reach out can talk through an issue with our trained volunteers, discuss choices and gain help in developing a plan of action,” Dr Lam explained.
The Alex Panton Foundation invites parents, educators, and other community members advocating for youth to spread awareness about the Cayman Kids Helpline and its crucial role in providing emotional support to children and teenagers across the islands.
“By working together, we can create a safer and more nurturing environment for Cayman’s young people,” Panton said.
The Kids Helpline does not offer therapy or replace therapeutic services in any way. The Kids Helpline offers a confidential and safe place to explore, talk, or chat through mental health matters. It aims to serve as a referral channel, connecting young people and their parents, educators, or caregivers to available resources.
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