Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the Massy Group in Guyana has continued work in relation to advocating for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The Group said it has managed over the years to partner with several agencies and NGOs to get the message out that one life lost is one too many, through drama, debating competitions, sensitization walks, discussion forums and televised programmes.
In a press statement on Thursday, the company said its approach is in “perfect alignment with the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day 2020, “Working together to prevent suicide.”
“The Group has and continues to collaborate with The Mental Health Unit, The Ministry of Education, Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) Guyana and The Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana,” the release noted.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group said it had to adjust its plans for 2020 to focus on activities that would ensure compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. Some of these are:
- Sponsorship of a five-minute radio programme, “Mental Health Matters with Massy”, Mondays through Fridays, on Jump Start – HJ 94.1 BOOM FM from August 3rd to October 1, 2020. While bringing awareness, the programme provides practical tips (approved by the Mental Health Unit) to the general public on mental health and suicide prevention.
- Wear IT Yellow and Green – In support of World Suicide Prevention and World Mental Health Day on September 10th and October 10th respectively, over 800 employees will be adorned with yellow and green ribbons and attire to show solidarity.
- Ongoing social media posts with positive and uplifting messages on the Facebook pages for all the operating companies of the Group in Guyana. Helplines are also listed for persons to get professional help and assistance.
“The Steering Committee which plans the annual activities is also presently examining a Book Drive Initiative, which may see the Group donating age-appropriate literature on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health to secondary schools all across Guyana to provide more knowledge and build awareness among our youths”.
“The Massy Group encourages everyone to educate themselves on the telltale signs of suicide and to reach out and help. If you or someone you may know may be at risk for suicide, seek help by calling the lifelines: 226-1402, 226-1405, 225-0804, 226-1416, 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, 623-4444,” the release added.
