Human Services Ministry assisting homeless individuals with mental health challenges

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has spearheaded efforts to assist homeless individuals struggling with mental health issues. These initiatives are carried out through a collaborative approach between the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

During a press conference held at the National Communications Network (NCN) on Saturday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, shared that her ministry has implemented a dedicated response team that works to address homelessness. This team conducts outreach at least twice a week to ensure that individuals are picked up from the streets. The process involves both the Human Services Ministry and the GPF.

The minister these individuals are placed at the Night Shelter, if they have mental health challenges, they are provided support through the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit. In some cases, the ministry extend support to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where an effective partnership has been formed, she shared.

The Night Shelter, operated by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, provides temporary accommodation and care for homeless and indigent individuals. The Minister clarified that the Night Shelter, while under her ministry’s supervision, is not a prison. The Minister explained her ministry cannot force people to stay, they offer care, accommodation, and food.

“Sometimes people stay for a long time and sometimes people leave and return. We have this fluid situation that exists,” she explained.

The Minister also praised the Ministry of Health for implementing several programs to address mental health issues, including training and internal capacity building aimed at improving the quality of care provided.

A study on Behavioral Health Services for People Who Are Homeless reveals that individuals experiencing homelessness often face high rates of chronic health conditions, mental health disorders, and substance use issues. Many also struggle with trauma, and children in these circumstances are at increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems.

The World Health Organisation’s 2008 report on mental health in Guyana predicts that, given a population of 750,000, between 75,000 and 112,500 Guyanese are affected by mental disorders and require mental health care services. Of these individuals, approximately 22,500 to 37,500 are expected to experience severe mental illness. This number may likely be higher post pandemic given the adverse impact on mental health.