|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Minister of Social Services and Community Development the Hon. Melanie Griffin, centre, announced upgrades to the National Hotline at a press conference, Thursday, September 3, at the Department of Rehabilitative and Welfare Services. Pictured left is Paul Gomez, Managing Director of Grant Thornton Bahamas, which funds the Hotline, and, right, Mellany Zonicle, Director, Department of Social Services. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
|
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Officials from the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, the Department of Social Services, and Grant Thornton Bahamas on Thursday rolled out a new format for the National Hotline, which will include:
· Funding for the Hotline being extended to the year 2030
· Unveiling of a new website where reports can be made online
· Additional revenue set aside for increased advertising and public education and awareness campaigns
The increased focus for the National Hotline and its numbers (422-2763 or 322-2763) is in response to what officials say are increasing demands for assistance in a number of categories from residents.
A spin-off from the Child Abuse Hotline, the National Hotline answers calls on a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week basis dealing with matters from custody cases to child abuse, requests for shelter access, child abandonment, suicide prevention, financial assistance, behavioral problems, counseling requests, mental health issues and domestic violence matters, amongst others.
Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Sharon Griffin said the new thrust for the National Hotline will also include increased specialized training for Social Workers who voluntarily service the National Hotline on a 24-Hour, 7-days-a-week basis.
That training began Thursday (September 3, 2015) at the Department of Rehabilitative and Welfare Services and was conducted by noted Psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Barrett, in his capacity as Training Consultant for the National Hotline. More than 30 Social Workers from the Department of Social Services attended the training session.
“Because we do not live in a static society, a product may be good or useful for a period of time but it will eventually lose its luster if it is not continually upgraded or rebranded,” Mrs. Griffin said.
“This is what we are doing. Soon you will hear exciting new Public Service Announcements and able to make reports to our newly launched website. These are but a few of our new products and are among others that we will utilize to raise awareness and renew interest in reporting matters which will assist us in providing service to persons in distress while serving as the social safety net these persons require.”
Press Conference to announce upgrades to the Department of Social Services ‘National Hotline,’ Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Department of Rehabilitative/Welfare Services, Thompson Boulevard.
|
Minister Griffin encouraged persons in the society who may be experiencing one of the aforementioned challenges the National Hotline deals with to seek immediate help in order to remedy that situation.
“We cannot overstate how important it is to seek help if persons or someone they know is experiencing a challenge. Many persons are afraid to reach out because they think they are weak if they share, or that they may be getting in other persons’ affairs if they report cases. However, I want to encourage you to break the silence and reach out for help for yourself or someone else.”
National Hotline volunteers and officials say it is “very important” to provide as many details as possible when making a report as once the report is made, it is sent to the relevant agency for necessary action immediately.
The brainchild of Paul Gomez, Managing Director of Grant Thornton Bahamas, the National Hotline was launched on December 10, 2010 to provide additional services that included a 24-hour service for child abuse matters, but also grew to include matters relating to suicide prevention as a result of the economic downturn at that time.
Mr. Gomez recognized that while Hotlines existed for other social issues, none existed that were not gender or child specific and that there was a need for a Hotline to cover all types of social pressures.
Grant Thornton has been funding the National Hotline since its inception and will continue to do so through to 2030.
“People who are frustrated or who are going through difficult circumstances need someone to talk to and the National Hotline provides them with that opportunity,” Mr. Gomez said.
“It works. It has helped thousands of Bahamians since its inception and that is why we will continue to make this kind of commitment through to the year 2030. We have also decided to contract Dr. Barrett, a qualified psychiatrist, to train the Social Workers who will manage the lines and answer the calls as they come in.
“We have also added a new website and will ensure that it remains operational throughout for the benefit of all of those who may need assistance any time during the 24-hour day cycle,” Mr. Gomez added.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
