
Funding for Mental Health: The Healing Together Initiative
The Hub Collective has garnered attention after receiving CAD $50,000 from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) to expand its Healing Together program across the Grenadines. This initiative, which aims to enhance mental health support following Hurricane Beryl, will reach out to communities in Union Island, Mayreau, Canouan, and Bequia from August 2025 to February 2026. As expressed by Holly Bynoe, Joint Project Manager, this initiative emphasizes the importance of cultivating local care systems rather than relying solely on external support.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Beryl
Hurricane Beryl’s impact in July 2024 was devastating, displacing families and leaving lasting psychological scars. Survivors from affected communities reported feelings of grief and anxiety, compounded by the lack of mental health resources. This urgent scenario led to the creation of the pilot Healing Together program in mid-2025, which showcased strong community engagement and a clear demand for mental health counseling.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Care
With the funds from CFLI, the Healing Together program plans to provide comprehensive services such as Psychological First Aid training, individual therapy sessions, and community workshops focused on holistic healing. The first workshops are set to commence in October 2025, laying down a foundation for a continuous national awareness campaign aimed at destigmatizing mental health care.
The Future of Mental Health in the Grenadines
MindTHRIVE Co., a key partner in this program, aims to create safe spaces for residents, enhancing resilience and mental well-being. Kimmette Robertson, founder of MindTHRIVE, reinforced the necessity of this expanded program, stating that it marks a profound step toward addressing the mental health needs that surfaced post-disaster. Going forward, the initiative hopes to cultivate a culture of self-determined mental health care that empowers Grenadine communities.
As stakeholders and conscious travelers, your support for programs like Healing Together can help foster sustainable community development. Engaging with and investing in local initiatives ensures that recovery post-disaster is holistic, addressing both physical and mental health needs. Together, we can contribute to building resilient futures for these beautiful islands.
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