The Mental Health Commission (MHC) was established in legislation under the Mental Health Law, 2013. One of the roles of the MHC is to “oversee and deliver mental health training and sensitization sessions for prison officers, constables and any other persons who may, in the performance of their functions, be expected to deal with mental health patients.”

In this regard, the first in a series of training sessions on the mental health legislation was held on Thursday, 24 July. Participants included staff from the RCIPS, Department of Community Rehabilitation, The Counselling Centre, Department of Children and Family Services, Judicial Administration, National Drug Council, Cayman Islands Red Cross, Prison Service, and both private and public mental health professionals.

Deputy Chief Officer Mrs Nancy Barnard chaired the training session, and the presenters were Mrs Julene Banks, Dr Taylor Burrowes Nixon and Dr Marc Lockhart.

Topics covered included the definitions, types of detention orders, comparison between the old legislation and the new, right of the patient or nearest relative to appeal, and role of the participants.

Each attendee was asked to reflect on their role and how the new legislation will impact their function as we work together to achieve better health for all – physically, mentally or otherwise.

Future training sessions are planned for teachers, health care workers, laypersons, counsellors and other mental health professionals.

In the end, the presentation was well received and participants were reminded to support the MHC and provide feedback by email to [email protected]