By Kisean Joseph
The Public Relations Officer for the Halo Foundation, recently shared details about an innovative programme that addresses the mental health concerns of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth with Observer.
“{Project] Blue is pretty much a brand under the Halo umbrella, representing mental health,” Cuthbert Forbes said of the programme — an initiative of Halo’s youth arm, Gen Y, which aims to address the pressing concerns that young people face.
Forbes highlighted the initiative’s origins, noting its focus on troubled youth in institutions like the Sunshine Home for Girls and the Boys’ Training School.
“We wanted to have an avenue where these youth can feel comfortable expressing their feelings and the issues they’re facing,” he said.
The goal, according to Forbes, is to help transform the lives of these young people through understanding and support.
In recent years, Blue has amplified its message in response to alarming trends. “We saw a rise in teen suicide,” Forbes said, explaining the impetus behind bringing Blue into the spotlight. The initiative now serves as a platform to advocate for better resources and representation for troubled young people.
The urgency of Blue’s mission has only increased with the current state of affairs in Antigua and Barbuda. “The rise in crime and violence among our youth population has been excessive,” Forbes said. However, Blue is redoubling its efforts to engage with various entities in society to address the issues head-on.
Collaboration is at the heart of Blue’s approach as Forbes mentioned partnerships with mental health professionals, including a notable collaboration with Ms Colburn, who provided insights into working with troubled teens. Blue has also joined forces with other organisations as well, signaling a commitment to broadening its network of support.
Forbes outlined plans for the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Month in October. “We’re aiming to start conversations that will really address the root causes,” he said.
The initiative recognizes that youth violence is just one aspect of a larger problem, acknowledging that many young people in the nation are grappling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Forbes emphasised that Blue isn’t positioning itself as the sole solution to these complex issues. Instead, the initiative seeks to “join forces with the right authorities and those who have the power to enact legislation” that will support the rehabilitation of young offenders. the focus is on a holistic approach that goes beyond mere problem-solving.
“We’re not just finding the problem and addressing it,” Forbes said. “We’re looking at how we can rehabilitate youth so they can be reintegrated into society as changed individuals.” This approach aims to break the cycle of labelling and stigmatisation that often plague troubled teens.
As Blue continues to evolve, its mission remains clear: to provide a comprehensive support system for the mental health of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth.
By fostering partnerships, encouraging open dialogue, and advocating for systemic changes, Blue is positioning itself as a crucial player in shaping a brighter, healthier future for the nation’s young people.
With mental health awareness on the rise globally, initiatives like Blue serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of community-driven solutions to complex social challenges.
