Psychiatric Hospital hosts recognition ceremony

October is the month for Mental Health and the Psychiatric Hospital hosted a series of events and activities in its recognition.

The Hilton Hotel was the location for the organisation’s inaugural Appreciation Ceremony and Cocktail Gala which honoured the support of individuals, organisations and businesses for their contribution to the development of the hospital. Those awarded have made contributions of varying magnitudes to the organisation.

Minister of Health, the Honourable John Boyce, addressed the gathering. He expressed, “The theme this evening ‘Living Our Best Lives’ promotes the view that success and satisfaction in life is achieved when you utilise opportunities to enhance the lives of others, especially those who are less privileged or who may be in a vulnerable situation brought on by illness or insufficient socio economic support. Many have been instrumental in initiating partnerships with the hospital and have been beneficial to its clients as well as to its management and staff.

He noted, “Your donations of time, money, equipment and services are indispensable and instrumental in enhancing the services provided to our population.” He continued, giving further credit, “In the process of making your individual contributions you have raised awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health problems are given the opportunity to live life with dignity.”

Mental Health problems are widespread and the focus of the evening was to show how we can all play our own role in making a difference. Boyce shared, “Through your partnership and general association with the Psychiatric Hospital the community is becoming better informed and the negative attitudes to mental health are being eroded. This progress also has a very positive impact on health-seeking behaviours, enabling more people to access care before a crisis arises.”

Various institutions received awards – they included CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Cost-U-Less, Graphic Designs, Rezults Auto Shop, Collins Ltd. and Courtyard Caterers. Individual rewards were also distributed and one of the recipients was Zhane Padmore who is now one of the delegates of the upcoming Ms Barbados World Pageant. The contribution of Althea Clarke, a retired senior sister of the hospital was also recognised. Entertainer Richard Stoute was one of the recipients of the “Pillar of Support”, which according to master of ceremonies for the night Antoine Williams, went to persons who in their own indelible way have made a mark on the hospital’s landscape.

Trevor Hope of Courtyard Caterers also placed the winning bid for the beautifully crafted table which was sold through a silent auction.

The ceremony included two video presentations. One of which highlighted the various services which are offered by the hospital and was titled “Through the Years”. The other was “Mrs B’s Story” which provided an intimate look into the impact of mental illness and its effects on individuals, families and children in particular.

Singer Margaret Bovell-Lewis recapped her experiences of growing up with her mother who suffers from mental illness. The singer stands as an advocate for those affected by mental illness.

Shakori Thompson on saxophone added a nice touch to the ceremony. The night closed out with a cocktail reception in the courtyard and entertainment provided by the talented Alleyne School Orchestra under the guidance of Kevin Moore.

Anyone who is interested in promoting mental health and wellbeing can contact the organisation by email at psychiatric.hospital@barbados.gov.bb (ST)