Youth offered the ‘Gift of Mental Wealth’
An online funding page, with a goal of raising US$18,750, has been collecting donations for the “Gift of Mental Wealth”, which covers the cost of therapy for adolescents between 12 and 18 years old who do not have adequate insurance to meet their mental healthcare needs.
The fund was initially established in late 2017 by Marit Hudson, who asked all of her friends and family to “pay forward” her 40th birthday gifts by making a donation. Since then, donations have been made by others who have learned of the mental health needs of Cayman’s youth.
Hudson’s online funding page will be accepting donations through Wednesday, 18 September, but in-person contributions are also welcome. All funds are used to cover client services.
“Despite the high number of youth experiencing mental health issues, health insurance coverage in the Cayman Islands often does not cover mental health issues and some adolescents do not have health insurance,” Hudson said in a press release. “We wanted to raise funds for ‘at risk’ teenagers to receive at a maximum 10 treatment sessions at The Wellness Centre, or another licensed mental health facility in the Cayman Islands, depending on individual need.”
Shannon Seymour, director of The Wellness Centre, said, “We are delighted to receive this donation so we can continue to offer our services to adolescents who seek our help. People under estimate the mental health issues faced by our youth and the challenges that arise when they seek out help. This donation will go a long way in reducing some of those challenges.”
For one parent, whose daughter has received treatment thanks to the fund, the Gift of Mental Wealth has provided the family with a greater insight into how to support her. Without the fund, “we would not have been able to provide her with the services she needed at the time; we are eternally grateful for the support which she has received and excited about her progress”, the parent said.
For further information on the ‘Gift of Mental Wealth’ or mental health services call The Wellness Centre at 949-9355, email info@wellnesscentre.ky or go to their website
Category: Local News, Medical and Health, Youth
