GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – The Department of Counselling Services (DCS) is observing Recovery Month during September. This year’s theme “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community,” explores how integrated care, a strong community, sense of purpose, and leadership contributes to effective treatments that sustain the recovery of persons with mental and substance use disorders.

“Mental and substance use disorders are present in our community, and it’s important that individuals in Cayman understand how to seek help,” said Health Minister Dwayne Seymour. “Recovery Month not only provides a platform for discussion on these issues, it hopefully increases dialogue on prevention and treatment, and offers an opportunity to seek help where needed,” he added.

The 2018 observance seeks to increase awareness and encourage audiences to take advantage of the increased dialogue around such issues. Throughout the month, the DCS is leading a number of events to raise awareness about substance abuse/dependency, the services available to assist those struggling with substance abuse; and to honour and celebrate those who are in recovery and have become productive citizens of the Cayman Islands.

“Societies around the world are finding that the taboos are slowly eroding and people are talking more openly about addiction, substance misuse and mental health,” said DCS Director Judith Seymour. “The treatments and support for those in recovery and their families are greater than ever before. Over time they have become more complementary and more readily available and have the scope not only to include the addict but his/her family. The Counselling Centre, the Family Resource Centre, and Caribbean Haven Residential Centre therefore welcome this month’s observance as an opportunity to continue advocating for openness about recovery and to showcase the many opportunities for advice, support and therapy here in the Cayman Islands.”

To mark Recovery Month the department’s staff is currently taking the debate about all facets of recovery to the wider public. Through a series of talk shows, the staff will focus on general awareness of the issues and to provide information on where help is available on the islands.

DCS also launched its www.dcs.gov.ky website, earlier this week, to promote the range of services offered by its respective agencies. Furthermore, district-based presentations will take place at the Family Resource Centre, George Town and in West Bay (at a to be announced location) on Wednesday, 26 September from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Hosted in partnership with the National Drug Council, the free talks will focus on the process of addiction, the price paid by families and how to talk to children about drugs and alcohol.

The department also held a Family BBQ for the families of clients. The event was for those who are currently in treatment at the Caribbean Haven Residential Facility which provides residential services to residents of Cayman who are struggling with substance abuse/addiction.