***The Cayman Kids Helpline will be officially launched at the Alex Panton Foundation 2024 Youth Mental Health Symposium, Saturday, 17 February 2024 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman during the presentation of Emily Kelly, Programme Manager APF at 2pm***

Emily Kelly, Programme Manager, Alex Panton Foundation launched the Cayman Kids Helpline at the Alex Panton Foundation 2024 Youth Mental Health Symposium on Saturday, 17 February 2024.

Alex Panton Foundation, a leading advocacy organisation for children’s mental health in the Cayman Islands, has announced the launch of the Cayman Kids Helpline, a dedicated resource aimed at providing vital support and assistance to young people and their families facing various challenges.

Jane Panton, Chair of the Alex Panton Foundation said the Kids Helpline was launched in response to the growing need for accessible information and confidential support for children, teenagers and their carers.

“Our Foundation recognised the importance of providing free and confidential services to youth, their parents, and other adults advocating for youth who needed help finding referral information or resources, or just needed someone to talk to,” she said.

“Our goal is to provide support and information to help our community keep our children safe – from advice on children’s mental health, to support for parents and educators in helping them understand what to do if they’re worried about a child.”

The Cayman Kids Helpline is accessible via a website, app, phone and live online text service.

Emily Kelly, Programme Manager, Alex Panton Foundation, said the Kids Helpline launched with the website and app which were now live, and the phoneline and textline would commence service Thursday, 7 March 2024.

“The phoneline and textline will open Thursday to Sunday, 3pm – 9pm, and will be staffed with trained volunteers who are ready to offer a compassionate ear, guidance and assistance to young people dealing with issues such as bullying, loneliness, academic stress, family relationships, and any other concerns affecting their wellbeing,” she said.

Dr Erica Lam, Executive member, Alex Panton Foundation said the organization had worked with local mental health professionals to create the Kids Helpline website and app content.

“The Kids Helpline website and app hosts tips, information and advice on a range of topics and situations such as anxiety, depression, bullying, relationships, and more,” she said. “This virtual platform will not only be an informational resource for those eager to better support the young people in their lives, but a user-friendly space for young people to learn more about themselves and their mental health,” she said.

“The Kids Helpline phone and text lines are a safe and supportive environment for young people to express their feelings and seek help,” Dr Lam said. “The Helpline ensures anonymity, encouraging children to reach out without fear of judgement. Those who reach out can talk through an issue with our trained volunteers, discuss choices and gain help in developing a plan of action.” 

The Alex Panton Foundation invites parents, educators, and other community members advocating for youth to spread awareness about the Cayman Kids Helpline and its crucial role in providing emotional support to children and teenagers across the islands. 

“By working together we can create a safer and more nurturing environment for Cayman’s young people,” Ms Panton said.

The Kids Helpline does not offer therapy or replace therapeutic services in any way. The Kids Helpline offers a confidential and safe place to explore, talk, or chat through mental health matters. It aims to serve as a referral channel, connecting young people and their parents, educators, or caregivers to available resources.

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