Community Outreach Workers now equipped to offer psychological support within their communities -Minister Cuthbert-Flynn

Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn says frontline service providers trained in Psychological First Aid (PFA) now have improved capabilities to offer psychological support within their communities.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of community outreach officers from the PFA Training held at the Luna Sea Inn in Westmoreland yesterday (December 4), the Minister expressed that this initiative is part of the ongoing targeted approach to crime fighting by the government.

“This plan, built on a whole-of-government and multi-sectoral approach, aims at reducing crime and violence, fostering safer spaces, and nurturing the growth of both citizens and their communities,” emphasised Minister Cuthbert-Flynn.

She says it is important to recognise that the fight against crime and violence demands nuanced, strategic intervention – “blanket solutions fall short in the face of complex crime challenges, but a thorough targeted, integrated, and evidence-based approach by the government will touch every stratum of our society, including those most vulnerable.”

The initiative was implemented by the Citizen Security Secretariat (CSS) of the Ministry of National Security to equip community outreach workers with the tools to appropriately provide the initial response to individuals experiencing psychological distress.

The training, developed by the Pan America Health Organisation (PAHO) and adapted to the Jamaica context by the European Union Technical Assistance Team, was completed by twenty-six (26) community outreach officers in Westmoreland on November 27.

In congratulating the graduates – the State Minister cautioned that “the journey ahead is arduous, but with the passion and commitment displayed by our graduates and partners, I am confident that we are moving steadfastly toward a safer, more secure Jamaica.”

The graduates are strategically positioned across more than 20 communities in Westmoreland, namely Savanna-la-mar, Cooke Street, Seaton Crescent, Harmony Town, Russia, Delveland, New Market Oval, Frome, Georges Plain, Petersfield, Grange Hill, Farm Pen, as well as the communities within the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs).