The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) facilitated health therapy services for over 40 mentally challenged inmates at the St. Catherine District Adult Correctional Centre, as part of a three-day event in celebration of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in June.
The initiative which was held under the theme, “Your Mental Health: Our Business …You’re Not Alone”, was supported by the St. Catherine Justice of the Peace’s Welfare Committee, which provided counselling services. Additionally, contributions came from Devon House Jamaica, Wong Trucking, Prime Block, K & K Supermarket, and Samera Paper Products, who provided treats and care packages for the inmates during the closing session.
Rehabilitation Manager, Miss Beverley Baugh, praised the participating organisations and companies for their crucial support. She noted, “The hard work of our welfare case managers and teachers requires the backing of corporate Jamaica to ensure that inmates’ mental, emotional, and physical needs are met. This is essential for proper rehabilitation and a smooth reintegration into society.”
Superintendent ‘B’ Alfred Whitfield emphasised the importance of this initiative, aligning it with the Department’s mission to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. He stated, “even though they are here, if you want them to return to society and socialise with us, you must treat them as you would want to be treated, showing that someone cares.”
The event was powered by the Foundation for the Disabled Inc., under their Healing Behind Bars project, which focuses on creating care programmes for mentally challenged inmates. Currently, approximately 120 inmates in Jamaica’s correctional institutions are diagnosed with mental challenges. Cleon Porter, Chief Project Manager at the Foundation for the Disabled and President of Global Charity for All, shared plans to expand these initiatives to other facilities. “This approach for the correctional facilities has garnered significant interest from the United Nations and our affiliates, so it’s going to get bigger and better,” Porter added.
Deputy Commissioner of Custodial Services, Ms. Joyce Stone, also extended a message of self-care to the staff, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by those working in stressful environments. “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and mental well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. To all staff members, officers, and civilians, this is a gentle reminder that self-care is not selfish—it is necessary for our health. Let us, therefore, encourage a culture of well-being.”