By Bibi Khatoon
Two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) – Guyana Golden Lives Organisation (GGLO) and the Wellness Centre –on Friday evening teamed up to launch a Grief Support Project targeting bereaved children and parents.
The Wellness Centre was launched in February 2019 by Shinelle Bayrd using €6,000 she won at the 2018 Youth Global Forum which brings together young people from around the world to discuss issues affecting their country.
It provides support to adults suffering from various forms of depression.
Bayrd told the News Room that the Centre previously set up a support group for persons suffering from depression and the response was overwhelming.
As such, the body partnered with the GGLO –an organisation which works with bereaved children –to launch this two new support groups. The first group will be for parents who have lost a child.
“It would be a congregation of persons (male and female) who would have lost a child and they’re coming together to offer the emotional support to each other…they’re going to have that support group to know you’re not alone, you’re not the only person that is suffering with the grief and that is the most important thing to have at that particular point,” she explained.
The programme runs for 12 weeks and is free.
At each session, there will be a trained facilitator. There will be activities to complete while anyone who needs further assistance will be sent to a psychologist who works along with the Wellness Centre.
Marva Langevine, the founder of the GGLO explained that her organisation already does work with bereaved children through home visits.
A decision has now been taken to open the forum to the public.
“We’re providing a safe space where persons can learn how to cope with their grief as well as express themselves to somebody who understands them and move on with life with a new sense of hope,” she told the News Room.
Both organisations can be contacted via Facebook messenger or wellnesscentregy@gmail.com
The launch was held at the British High Commissioner’s Bel Air Gardens residence on Friday evening.
British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn noted that the support will provide an opportunity to begin the healing process for individuals.
“This work will also allow everyone better understand how children and other family members react to loss whilst being given the time to grieve,” he added.
The British High Commission has been assisting in bringing awareness to mental health issues over the past months. It has also worked with the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to host a mental health training last month.
