The Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) will host a pivotal panel discussion titled “Shifting the Narrative: Demystifying Mental Health in the Workplace and Community” in observance of World Mental Health Day.
This virtual event will air onChannel 82 (TV) at 8:00 p.m. on October 10, 2024, and will also be accessible through the BPSU’s social media platforms. Organized by the BPSU’s Migrant Workers and Mental Health Campaign Committees, this initiative highlights the importance of mental health in both professional and personal environments while working to break the stigma surrounding it.
The discussion will be moderated by Hanif E. A. Benjamin, the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of The Centre for Human Development Ltd. in Trinidad and Tobago. With over two decades of experience, Hanif is a leading mental health advocate specializing in trauma care and youth development. His extensive work in mental health, both regionally and globally, brings invaluable expertise to the conversation.
This hour-long panel, divided into two 30-minute segments, will feature Bermuda’s union representatives and mental health professionals as they explore the essential services available on the island, discuss necessary policy changes, and share strategies for fostering mental wellness in workplaces and communities.
In the first half of the discussion, the following mental health professionals will showcase the services they provide, emphasizing the growing need for mental health support across the island:
Juanae Crockwell from the Women’s Resource Center
Dr. Ernest Peets of MASC Bermuda
Dr. Sandy DeSilva from The Family CenterBermuda
Rebecca Fisayo of the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI)
Latisha Lister-Burgess from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
In the second half, the panel will shift its focus to exploring actionable steps for education, policy and legislative changes, and building collaborative strategies to combat mental health stigma in workplaces and community. The panelists in this segment include:
Sis. Karen Grant-Simmons, Chairperson of the BPSU Mental Health Campaign Committee
Sis. Linda Bogle-Mienzer, BPSU Rapid Response Officer
Dr. Adriene C. Berkeley of PsyNeu
Dr. Jana Outerbridge from Mayvera Wellness
These experts will delve into how unions, employers, and communities can work together to promote a culture of long-term mental wellness. Their discussions will explore topics such as policy development, collaborative workplace strategies, and building environments that foster mental well-being while reducing stigma.
BPSU President Bro. Armell Thomas emphasized the union’s commitment to mental health:
“Mental health is integral to a healthy and productive workforce. Through this discussion, we advocate for both actions and long-term changes that support the well-being of our members and the wider Bermuda community. The BPSU is proud to collaborate with service providers and mental health experts to bring this crucial issue to the forefront.”
In line with its commitment to mental wellness advocacy, the BPSU encourages all members, employers, and the public to tune in to the upcoming panel discussion and engage with the vital insights shared. This discussion underscores the union’s holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing that the implications of mental wellness reach far beyond the workplace.
This discussion is part of the BPSU’s wider initiative to promote mental health awareness and support throughout Bermuda, ensuring that all workers have access to the necessary resources to thrive. The BPSU warmly invites everyone to join this important conversation and play a role in shifting the narrative surrounding mental health, fostering a healthier community and workplace for all.
For more information on accessing the broadcast, please tune–in on Channel 82 (TV), visit www.channel82.bm, or check the BPSU’s social media platforms.
Join the BPSU in observing World Mental Health Day by tuning in to this essential panel discussion, which aims to transform perspectives on mental health across Bermuda. Together, let’s promote understanding and support for mental wellness in our workplaces and community.
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