‘Young minds at risk’ – New mental health initiative targets youth vulnerability

Recognising the growing mental health challenges faced by young people, the Guyana Government and SBM Offshore have launched a nationwide initiative aimed at early intervention and education.

The campaign, Kind to Your Mind, centres on a new animated series designed for children aged 12 to 15—an age group increasingly vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and suicide.

Experts warn that young people are particularly susceptible due to loneliness, low self-esteem, stigma, and a lack of supportive spaces to talk openly about emotional struggles.

“Mental health issues often begin early,” said Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony at the launch on Wednesday.

“If unaddressed, they can escalate into something far more serious,” he added.

The series uses storytelling and relatable characters to teach children how to recognise when someone may be struggling and how to seek help—encouraging them to speak to trusted adults and build resilience.

“Animation allows us to reach children in a way that’s engaging and accessible,” said Deputy Chief Education Officer Fazia Bashk.

“It breaks the silence and makes mental health a conversation, not a taboo,” she added.

The initiative forms part of broader mental health reforms, including the new Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Acts and the expansion of community-based training. Over 900 “gatekeepers” have been trained to offer frontline support in schools and communities.

Dr Anthony stressed that real progress requires collective effort: “This is not just a health issue—it’s a societal one. Everyone has a role to play.”

With Kind to Your Mind, the government hopes to not only educate but also empower a new generation to care for their mental wellbeing—and each other.