Cayman Observes 14th Annual Recovery Month

September 2023 marks the 14th observance of Recovery Month in the Cayman Islands.  Recovery Month serves as an opportunity to increase the collaborative efforts amongst mental health service providers and community members who make recovery in all its forms possible, as well as highlight the annual theme which spotlights particular aspects of recovery that are particularly relevant during that year.

This year’s Recovery Month theme is Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community. 

“The 2023 Recovery Month theme is intended to remind people in recovery, as well as those who support them in their recovery, that no one is alone in their journey through recovery,” explains Kimberly Febres, Clinical Supervisor at Caribbean Haven Residential Centre (CHRC).

Oftentimes, Ms. Febres explains,  individuals who experience mental health concerns or a substance use disorder feel isolated and alone. Yet every year, millions of people around the world experience these conditions.  “It’s important that we offer support to individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders, “ Ms. Febres adds.  “In fact, we need to create environments and relationships that promote acceptance. Support from families is essential to recovery, so it’s important that family members have the tools to start conversations about prevention, treatment, and recovery”.

The Department of Counselling Services (DCS), of which CHRC is a part, works year round to help raise awareness of, and educate the community, families and individuals on, the effectiveness of prevention programming and treatments that focus on mental health and substance use disorders.

“Part of our work in providing solutions to improve the well-being of our  people so they can achieve their full potential focuses on breaking down barriers and stigma around mental health and substance use disorders,” Judith Seymour, Director of  the Department of Counselling Services (DCS) adds. “Mental health and substance use disorders affect people of all ethnicities, ages, genders, geographic regions, and

socioeconomic levels.  Our people need to know that help is available, and that they can get better with the support of a welcoming community. Individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health and form stronger relationships.  It’s not enough to simply tell people that recovery is possible: we need to make more people feel as if recovery is possible”.

As part of this year’s Recovery Month observation,  DCS has organized a series of awareness and education events:

• Education Workshops:  Available to private sector businesses, community groups, FBOs and others upon request throughout the month.  Workshop focuses on raising awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, the services available, and how the community can support.

• Friday, 15 September: Mental Health Matters on Radio Cayman 89.9FM, 12:15pm.   Representatives from DCS will be on Mental Health Matters to discuss substance use disorders and mental health, recovery, services, and other relevant topics.

• Saturday, 23 September:   Recovery Month Family Fun Day @ Cayman Turtle Centre, 10am-4pm. Celebrating those in recovery and their families and loved ones.  Registration required, event is free and includes lunch.   Limited spots.  To register contact 949-8789.

For more information on Recovery Month or available services, contact 947-9992, 938-9876 or email Kimberly.febres@gov.ky .