Most people know of Jamaica through USAIN BOLT and BOB MARLEY but like any other society Jamaica has increasing rates of people with mental health problems. As a developing country with social and economic challenges, resources to provide mental health care is limited. Stigma and discrimination towards the mentally ill is extensive and families with a mentally ill relative receive little support. As a result people with mental health problems may end up homeless, living on the street. I am seeking assistance to set up a charity that will provide a place where people can get a hot meal, clean clothes and some psychosocial care.

The funding secured will help to support the development of a community based mental health day centre for adults with mental health problems. Initially this will include registration of the Charity and fundraising efforts.

The main purpose of the centre will be to empower people to strive towards better mental and physical wellbeing. The service will offer a range of group and individual activities to improve the user's mental and physical health and their social and living skills. The emphasis will be on rehabilitation and recovery. Facilities will also be provided for individual consultation and therapy sessions. It is anticipated that the Centre will expand to include mental health training and research.

Who am I, and why am i interested in setting up this charity? I am passionate about better care and support for people with mental health problems as i watched my much loved brother suffer for 18 years. He died while he was being restrained by nurses in a mental health unit. I therefore also understand the pain and devastation that families can experience. I have spent the last 30 years acquiring relevant knowledge and skills in mental health and delivering education & training, conducting research and campaigning to improve mental health care and community services. I spent several years in Jamaica teaching and doing research and it was during this period that seeing images like the photograph on this page made me recognise that i could and needed do something to make a difference. I do not have the resources to fund this project myself so i am reaching out to you and asking for your support. They have a saying in Jamaica that " one, one cocoa full basket". In other words "ever little helps"

Thanks in advance! I will keep you updated.