Local charity providing virtual mental health care amid Covid-19
From 3A
they are also supporting, entertaining and keeping each other sane.
“I would say get into groups, comfort and support each other. Spend quality time speaking with friends and family. Do not be too much alone as this can be harrowing for your mental health,” she encouraged students studying in other countries.
“Find interesting ways to stay connected. Focus on the reason why you have travelled abroad, which is your education and make your health a priority. Remember you cannot control the situation so it is best to adapt quickly and work on those factors that you can control,” she added.
Richmond is employed by MacIntyre Charity in the UK which is a mental health foundation that provides 24hour care and support for individuals with mental health challenges.
She explained that persons being supported by the charity are unable to live on their own due to the severity of their mental health issues and because they are essential workers they have to work, despite the lockdown.
“It is challenging to support individuals with mental health under these circumstances as they can become anxious and even violent when they are restricted from their normal routine,” she said of her job.
And it can also become a very scary situation travelling in buses and trains, with persons still behaving in an irresponsible manner towards the virus, Richmond noted.
For her everything has changed as there is even social distancing in the workplace and only two staff can be in a room at any given time.
“The system is under severe pressure due to persons leaving when the outbreak started. We are being asked to take on extra hours to cover the individuals that we support. It is tough times, but I just try to stay positive and remember that this is the reason why I started psychology in the first place. I will not bail and abandon those I care for at the first sight of trouble,” Richmond said.
She believes in the long run her experience will definitely change her for the better as the opportunity for practical training had been incredible.
“I have great ideas about how to advance care and treatment for people with mental health challenges, what laws needs to change and how and I have had training in various other areas. I have talked a whole lot about mental health before, but I have never worked in an actual
Marcia Washington system that supports it. Given that it is an advanced system, there is so much to take back with me to Guyana,” she added.
To access the services provided by CRGY persons can contact Abegail Heywood, a social worker on 626-4035, Pastor Alexander Vickerie, who is also a social worker on 664-9152, Petra Richmond on +4407784929018 and social worker Marcia Washington on 663-5414. Additionally, services are also being provided by social worker Vanata Ragghu-Prashad on 683-5913, child and adolescent psychologist Michelle Amsterdam on 6840925 and Abiola Robinson who is a pastor and a teacher on 609-3808.