Bermuda joined forces with organisations worldwide today to recognise ‘Youth and Mental Health’ as part of the United Nations International Youth Day.

Bermuda Public Service Union (BPSU) president Jason Hayward said his union wanted to recognise mental health as “important to Bermuda’s well being as it is believed one in four Bermudians will develop a mental or behavioural disorder.”

“Whilst BPSU is encouraged by the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Mental Health Plan and the progress made in deinstitutionalising the mental illness population, we call on the Government of Bermuda to find ways of actively addressing the challenges faced by mentally ill youth in Bermuda and those that care for them,” said Mr Hayward.

“Support from family, friends, the community and caregivers is critical to maintaining balance for the mentally challenged and we implore Government to put initiatives in place to provide opportunity and support to this segment of our community, increase awareness about mental disorders, eliminate health disparities, ensure effective treatment and quality care are accessible to all, and that every effort be made to address the current shortfalls in our current model of care.

“It is imperative that voice be given to all those in our community and BPSU looks forward to the further deinstitutionalisation of this demographic group and increased Government support.

“BPSU will continue to hold firm on its commitment to the young workers within its membership and will continue to raise awareness on issues that impact the youth population.”