Chardonaé Rawlins believed a supportive, expert-led community would be a game-changer for parents, children and educators in Bermuda.

Although she had never seen it done, through her work as a child and adolescent mental health specialist, she knew that it was needed.

Rooted & Bloom, “a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to strengthening families, children, teens and educators” launches next month. It falls under the umbrella of the wellness organisation Ms Rawlins has also created, Simply Bloom Bermuda.

A monthly fee gives members access to downloadable guides, online courses, expert-led webinars, themed content on specific topics, a private discussion community and one-on-one personalised support.

“Parenting and teaching don’t come with a manual but what if there was a community where parents, educators, and caregivers could access expert guidance, workshops, and personalised support in one place? We provide holistic wellness services because support doesn’t always have to start with therapy, which is still very stigmatised in Bermuda,” said Ms Rawlins, who holds a bachelor of science with honours in psychology, a master’s of science with honours in child and adolescent mental health, and is clinically certified in trauma, ADHD and anxiety-informed care.

“I believe that with my background, it's important to not gate-keep the information; that I can provide the education to better enhance the overall family system, which is going to impact the children in a positive way.”

Ms Rawlins, who always had a “deep passion for wellness”, wanted to be a paediatrician until she took a psychology course in high school that showed how she could “help people in a meaningful way”.

“I've worked in child protection. I currently work in early intervention. I've worked in social services and [with] non-profit,” she said.

“This is my passion project on the side, which I hope continues to grow so that it can be my full-time job.”

The idea is to “bridge the gap” that exists, especially for families that need practical, ongoing help.

“Your experiences in childhood shape you. Why not catch and correct the behaviour? Why not help them to work through their adversities early on? They say early detection or intervention is key – and the same goes for your mental health and wellbeing.”

After years in the field, she has seen first-hand just how vital this kind of support can be for families navigating tough times.

“Many families are in need of support but face barriers such as the stigma surrounding mental health, cost, or lack of availability. When you go to therapy, there's limited service diversity and I would say there's a need for family centred proactive care. Parents often want to do better but don't know how. I believe they should have access to tools without pressure or judgment.”

Ms Rawlins believes that mental health support should be preventive and accessible and offers tiered subscription plans beginning at $45 per month.

Even the basic membership, she said, offered practical tools to help parents build confidence and strengthen their skills. From there, members might explore further.

“They might click on something else and say, ‘You know what, I want to learn more about emotional regulation. Let me call this person for a consult, or let me send an e-mail inquiry about what I can do.’”

Too often, she said, people felt therapy was the only option. “I think we get so locked in, [believing] that people have to automatically go straight to therapy when that's not always the case. There are other avenues where people can get support.”

She was clear that the platform is not a replacement for therapy, but rather a starting point – a resource for those seeking support and a way to break down the stigma that often stops people from getting help.

“This is the first step towards normalising the conversation. So through my platforms for Simply Bloom – the website, mailing lists, our social media – we are normalising conversation about parenting, about family systems, about mental health for children, for young people,” Ms Rawlins added.

“There are a variety of ways to get involved with Simply Bloom. Whether it’s through the membership, private consultations, or sending a child here for one-on-one therapeutic sessions. My main goal is to have a healthier Bermuda and I think it’s our duty – as people within this field – to provide the education and support that fall within our wheelhouse.”

• For more information on Rooted & Bloom, visitsimplybloombda.comor@simply.bloombdaon Instagram