Health Ministry launches 24/7 mental health counselling hotline

The Ministry of Health has launched a 24-hour hotline to provide counselling services to people suffering from mental illness.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) said the ‘Safe Space’ hotline is intended to provide access to support for persons who are unable to have face-to-face interactions.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) donated three cellular phones to the initiative, while telecoms provider GTT facilitated the toll-free hotline, 655-safe (655–7233).

At today’s launch, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said providing a safe space for vulnerable people could mean a life saved.  

“People have various challenges. Whether it’s health challenges, whether it’s isolation during COVID and there are so many other things that can affect people. But if they can reach out, and can get a soothing voice, a voice of reason who can help them to walk through the emotions they face or are currently feeling, to be able to help them in that way, to give them some objectives, give them some hope then by doing this, you really would be saving someone’s life,” he is quoted as saying.

Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, Director of the Mental Health Unit, added that given the historical neglect and underfunding of mental health worldwide, the mismatch for the need for services compared to their availability and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support services will increase in the coming months and years.

PAHO representative, Ms. Karen Roberts said e-counselling has been in the pipelines for quite some time, but was brought to the front burner earlier this year as the organisation recognised the dire need for mental health support during the pandemic.

GTT Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd said the initiative is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.