Massy Guyana continues to support suicide prevention, mental health awareness

World Suicide Prevention Day

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Massy Group in Guyana continues to be a strong advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
The Group has managed over the years to partner with several agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to get the message out that one life lost is one too many, through drama, debating competitions, sensitisation walks, discussion forums, and televised programmes.
Massy’s approach is in perfect alignment with the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, “Working together to prevent suicide.” The Group has and continues to collaborate with the Mental Health Unit, the Education Ministry, Prevention of Teenage Suicide (POTS) Guyana and the Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana.
In light of COVID-19 pandemic, the Group had to adjust its plans for 2020 to focus on activities that would ensure compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.
One such activity is sponsorship of a five-minute radio programme, “Mental Health Matters with Massy” on Jump Start -from August 3 to October 1, 2020. While bringing awareness, the programme provides practical tips (approved by the Mental Health Unit) to the general public on mental health and suicide prevention.
Another initiative is “Wear IT Yellow and Green” – In support of World Suicide Prevention and World Mental Health Day on September 10 and October 10 respectively, more than 800 employees will be adorned with yellow and green ribbons and attire to show solidarity.
And finally, positive and uplifting messages will continue to be posted on the Facebook pages of all the operating companies of the Group in Guyana. Helplines are also listed for persons to get professional help and assistance.
The Steering Committee which plans the annual activities is also presently examining a “book drive initiative”, which may see the Group donating age-appropriate literature on suicide prevention and mental health to secondary schools all across Guyana to provide more knowledge and build awareness among our youths.
The Massy Group encourages everyone to educate themselves on the tell-tale signs of suicide and to reach out and help.
If you or someone you may know may be at risk for suicide, seek help by calling the lifelines: 226-1402, 226-1405, 225-0804, 226-1416, 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, or 623-4444.