USC Recognizes World Mental Health Day 2023 with a Focus on Human Rights
By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer & Sadia Moore, Chair of the Department of Sociology & Psychology
In a bid to emphasize the importance of mental health as a universal human right, the School of Social Sciences (SSS) at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) commemorated World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2023, with a special live program held at the university’s Social Sciences Auditorium. The event aimed to promote mental health education, awareness, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues within both the USC community and Trinidad & Tobago as a whole.
This year’s global theme, “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” resonated deeply with USC, where the commitment to promoting well-being and human rights is a core value. The program was designed to address the three essential aspects of human rights: Provision, Protection, and Participation, especially concerning the mental health of young individuals.
Dr. Kenneth Niles, Adjunct Faculty of the School of Social Sciences at USC, led a panel discussion during the event. The distinguished panelists who joined him included WPC Sacha Williams-Goddard from the Community Oriented Policing Section of the Trinidad & Tobago Police Service, Ms. Dionne Guischard, CEO of Families in Action, Mrs. Janine Mc Ewen-Simmons, Instructor at the School of Education & Humanities at USC, and Mr. Vayani Toney, a Masters Student in the National Security Program at the School of Graduate Studies at USC.
The event was attended by both a live audience at the Social Sciences Auditorium and a virtual audience through the University of the Southern Caribbean’s YouTube channel. The diverse audience included students from USC, CUC Secondary School, Southern Academy of SDA, and Bates Memorial High School, as well as faculty, staff, and members of the wider public.
The engaging panel discussion touched on various aspects of mental health and human rights, providing valuable insights for attendees. These discussions aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in the field of mental health, emphasizing the significance of Provision, Protection, and Participation in ensuring the well-being of youth.
USC’s commitment to mental health education and advocacy extends beyond this event, as it is a part of their broader mission to foster an environment where all individuals feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed.
In recognizing World Mental Health Day, the University of the Southern Caribbean reaffirms its dedication to promoting mental well-being as a universal human right, and its ongoing commitment to addressing this important issue within its community and the wider Trinidad & Tobago society.
- Published in News, School of Social Sciences
Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2022
By Ms. Sadia Moore
On October 10, 2022 the world observed World Mental Health Day, with special focus on the global theme, Mental Health and Well-Being for all a Global Priority. The School of Social Sciences (SSS) at the University of the Southern Caribbean, in recognition of this day, hosted a live programme on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. The programme focused on raising awareness of mental health, and encouraging a culture that supports mental health and well-being at the University of the Southern Caribbean, the community and Trinidad & Tobago. The university believes that such a program will mobilize efforts in support of mental health wellness in the Caribbean region.
The feature presenter was Dr. Samuel Shafe, Medical Director, St. Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital. Specially invited guests who shared a brief message to the audience included, Ms. Ashvini Nath, Manager of the Mental Health Unit at the Ministry of Health and Mrs. Irma Bailey-Reyes, Interim Supervisor, Developmental Assessment & Intervention Unit, Ministry of Education. There were 400 persons watching live virtually and 55 persons attended live, which consisted of students, faculty, staff, and the public.
- Published in News, School of Social Sciences
Mental Health in an Unequal World
L to R:
Ms. Heather La Motte, Senior Administrative Assistant, School of Social Sciences presents a token to
Mrs. Ashvini Nath, Manager, Mental Health Unit, Ministry of HealthL to R:
Ms. Sadia Moore, Chair, Department of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Susan Chand, Director, Research and Innovation
Dr. Edward Clarke, Dean, School of Social Sciences
Mrs. Ashvini Nath, Manager, Mental Health Unit, Ministry of Health
Dr. Glenda Hinkson, Chair, Department of Social Work
On October 10, 2021 the world observed World Mental Health Day, with special focus on the global theme, Mental Health in an Unequal World. The School of Social Sciences (SSS) at the University of the Southern Caribbean, in recognition of this day, hosted a Virtual Programme on Monday, October 11, 2021. The programme focused on creating psychosocial awareness, stigmatization of mental illness, mental and intellectual disability, the elderly and the future of mental health in the Caribbean.
Mrs. Ashvini Nath, Manager of the Mental Health Unit at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Maria Gomes, Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mr. Clyde Best, Coordinator Behavioural Sciences Degree Programme at the University of the Southern Caribbean, Dr. Kenneth Niles, Adjunct faculty at the School of Social Sciences, and Mr. Hanif Benjamin, President & CEO at the Centre for Human Development, were the main presenters. The presentations were well received by an audience of 411 attendees.
- Published in News, School of Social Sciences