UG providing free 24-hour support hotlines

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, April 30, 2020

The University of Guyana (UG) has instituted a 24-hour support hotline free of cost, to assist their students, staff and wider society.

Leann Kendall, a Psychology lecturer at UG said the hotline will provide free psychosocial support to address the difficulties that may arise due to the emergency measures implemented to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

During an interview with DPI, Kendall explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has re-shaped the way persons live, work and learn and this significant change can cause undue distress on some persons.

“We realised based on feedback and on international responses that people are coping differently. Some are not coping well at all and as a direct response to that we are providing a 24-hour hotline where qualified persons will take your calls, provide psychosocial support and make the necessary referrals if we are unable to address you immediately,” she explained.

Debbie Hopkinson, a Social Work Lecturer urged everyone who may feel overwhelmed or is dealing with abuse or feelings of self-harm to utilise the hotline and get the necessary help they deserve.

Noting her deep concern for the well-being of students and staff, Hopkinson said: “so far we have had some calls concerning domestic violence as well as suicide, therefore, we are asking that students do not suffer in silence.”

The lecturers assured that the staff manning the hotlines are qualified to handle such situations. All information will be held in the strictest confidence since they are guided by professionalism and a confidentiality code of ethics.

The university has partnered with GTT to make the hotlines free and keep them up and running.

The hotline numbers are as follows: 616-2576, 615-9507, 615-9476, 615-9729, 615-9730, 615-9482, 615—9727, 615-7829, 615-7839.