Programme to tackle social ills at Night Shelter begins August

Monday, June 24, 2019

The Night Shelter, under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Protection, continues to provide 24-hour service to its residents as it strives to address their social needs. The residents are also prepared for reintegration into society. A diversified programme aimed at helping them to curb the social ills which they struggle with will be rolled out in August.

Probation and Social Services Officer, Natasha Mansfield, who was attached to the Shelter three months ago, said the programme will cover several topics including depression, substance abuse, self-care and mental illness/mental health.

Mansfield further explained that when she began her job at the Night Shelter she met with residents and held one-on-one discussions with them to determine their needs.

“When I interacted with the residents I began to understand their challenges. I found that most of them are depressed and have a mental illness. I did some counselling sessions with them and engaged them in physical exercise and group discussions. I am aiming to commence the formal programme in August where we’ll have formal discussions and professionals come in and talk with the residents,” Mansfield explained.

The programme will begin with a concentrated focus on depression, which is most prevalent among the Night Shelter residents; this will be followed by other topics. The Probation and Social Services Officer said she will be liaising with professionals in the mental illness area who will facilitate the discussion.

The institution currently houses 59 residents and provides meals and other amenities. The staff complement was boosted with additional Patient Care Assistants and a Registered Nurse is expected to be added to the staff. There were also recent upgrades to some of the facilities at the institution, which include the renovation of the kitchen and eating areas for staff and male and female residents. For the first time, a security camera, fire extinguisher and wet floor signs were secured and the institution is regularly fumigated.

Imminently, an Occupational Health and Safety (OS&H) standard for the Shelter will be developed to promote safety on the job.

To date, the residents are entertained with celebrations such as the most recently observed Mother’s and Father’s Days celebrations which saw mothers and fathers honoured.