Over the weekend The Safe Haven Transitional Centre launched its ‘Bridge the Gap Showcase’ aimed at encouraging the public to de-stigmatise receiving mental health services.
Acting Social Worker Mr. Loren Smith speaking exclusively with 284 Media spoke about the success of the event.
Smith said, “On behalf of the Director and staff of the Safe Haven Transitional Centre, we would like to say that in our view the event was a success. We started things off with our Chaplin Dr. Robert Wright blessing the day’s proceedings, followed by the welcome and introduction of our hosts by our Director Mrs. Bronstoph.”
Safe Haven’s very own Mr. Kenton McKenzie and Ms. Kashan Thomas hosted the event and officially started with Pastor Mills who presented on the impact of spirituality on our mental wellness.
Minister of Health and Social Development, the Hon. Marlon Penn, and Territorial At-Large Representative the Hon. Carvin Malone alongside Premier Dr. Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley gave remarks and showed their support for the initiative.
A number of live performances took place, beginning with Mackabee of the HaramBee band and Che Pemberton captivating the sitting audience with his electrifying dance. Adagio Dance School dancers also executed an amazing performance, and live performances ended with a duet by the God Movement Shiloh and Shedien.
Additionally, Dr. Martin of Therapy 2 Thrive gave a demonstration on mindfulness exercise technique, which could be used in the management of daily stress. The Open Panel Discussion with other mental wellness professionals such as Dr. Torno of Community Mental Health, Dr. Thompkins of EAP, Ms. Lloyd of the BVI Red Cross and Merrissa Stubbs Five Doctors had patrons engaged.
The presentations were targeted, involved and hands on at a number of booths on site from vendors such as Juanita Michelle self-expression and life reinvention coach, Trinity Counseling, and She Designed the Life She Wanted. Creative Creations helped to provide a more family friendly environment with decoration and free balloons that accompanied the bouncy house for the children. Driftwood Spa also provided free massages.
Organizers said, “The community came out to show support, however it appears that due to the nature of the event our general population is still a bit timid.”
Further stating, “We would like to give a huge thank you to our sponsors the Ministry of Health and Social Development, the Cyril B Romney Pier Park, Nagico, CCT, BVI Tourist Board, the BVI Red Cross, Aromas Cigar Lounge, Creative Creations, P3 Paper Plastic Products, Mac’s Bakery and Nova Vita.
We would also like to thank all the companies that donated towards the raffle prizes, Eco Adventure, Clarence Thomas Ltd. Fiit Factory, Tortola Sports Club, Speedy, Island Services, Infinity Solutions, I smart, Mi Amira, Mobile Hub, Klass, People Shoe Store, Good Fellas, Crocs on the Pier, Carman’s Mary Kay, Journey’s Health Spa, and Save the Seed.”
The Safe Haven Transitional Centre and all Mental Wellness providers and professionals say they will continue to do their best to educate the general public on Mental Wellness and ways to manage ones Mental Health.