Issue
Despite national efforts, Guyana has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, driven by entrenched cultural stigma, economic challenges and limited access to mental health services, especially for marginalised groups and those living in remote areas.
How we are helping
This project aims to strengthen the capacity of Guyanese communities to influence and shape national suicide prevention and intervention policies, ensuring they are more inclusive, locally informed and effective.
About the project
In Guyana, existing policies to address suicide prevention do not fully reflect the specific realities and needs of rural, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities. These vulnerable communities are frequently excluded from decision making processes, resulting in policies and services that do not support their specific needs.
Project partner, Blossom Incorporated, will address critical policy gaps while equipping local communities to challenge stigma, shift cultural norms, and advocate for community-driven, culturally responsive interventions to reduce suicide in Guyana.
This will be achieved by:
- conducting community dialogues with marginalised groups across five administrative regions to share their experiences with mental health and suicide
- training community leaders, health workers, and civil society groups on how to engage with policy-makers and contribute to public health strategies
- developing a policy brief that integrates findings from the community consultations with recommendations to strengthen the National Suicide Prevention Plan
- convening meetings with policy-makers to advocate for the adoption of these recommendations.
As a result of the project, it is hoped that Guyanese communities are better equipped through improved national suicide prevention and intervention policies, ultimately leading to a reduction in suicide rates.
Project Partners
Blossom Incorporated promotes effective interventions and education services to children and families affected by sexual violence and exploitation. Services are geared towards preventing and responding to incidences of sexual abuse and exploitation through migrant support and host community services, educational and awareness outreach, mental health and psychosocial support, forensic interviewing, victim court support services, and in strengthening of child protective services in hinterland areas. Blossom’s work also addresses gender-based violence, advocating for policy changes, strengthening social protective systems, and providing evidence-based and culturally competent support services.
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