Call for more counsellors in schools
By Jenique Belgrave
A plea is being made for more people to be assigned to schools to help students cope with mental health issues.
President of the Barbados Guidance Counsellors Association Rosalind Gibson made the call as she noted that educational institutions often have one guidance counsellor to meet the needs of the entire student population, and the situation was very demanding. She called for more hands on deck to bring efficiency and effectiveness to the role.
“We also need to reevaluate the mental health team which is available within the schools. The role of the guidance counsellor is currently extremely broad, very demanding and often encompasses far more than what is easily achievable. And so, there is a need to streamline that role and to increase the number of persons who are involved in offering mental health services,” she told Barbados TODAY on Thursday.
Speaking at a training seminar for the Summer Work Experience Programme at the American University of Barbados in Wildey, Gibson noted that many students and even parents were struggling with anxiety coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some children prefer to work at home in their own space, and not having to relate or interact with persons. And so, having to deal with that has really put a strain on their interpersonal skills, and the truth is that having been home for a long time, a lot of children forgot how, or it’s become really difficult for them, to interact with their peers. We find that they picked up a lot of poor habits and so it’s been trying to help them unlearn those negative habits and practising core social skills,” she said.
Gibson admitted that throughout the academic year, as the school population readjusted to being back in the physical facility full-time, students became more resilient in overcoming challenges and she commended those parents who assisted their children in this regard, even while dealing with their own issues.
“In many cases, parents have been a tremendous help. They have been there and alert to some of the challenges and they have come on board to help. In other cases, parents have needed our support to understand what is happening and cope with their own personal issues, issues at work, issues with their children and families,” she said.
“And so they, we believe, could benefit from a lot more support – psychosocial, understanding the mental health issues, how to cope, how to acknowledge that these things actually exist, and how to reach out for help when help is needed.”
Gibson recommended that every effort be made to raise awareness as it relates to mental wellness.
Thursday’s seminar, which was open to all secondary school leavers, provided education and advice to those in attendance on several topics including The Power of Choice, Dress for Success and Build Your Resume.
Deighton Griffith Secondary School student Isaiah Crichlow said the information was helpful for those seeking to make a good impression in their first job.
“I will share with others and be able to help them out when they are applying for their first job, and it is giving me tips so that I can have an edge in the world of work,” he said.
jeniquebelgrave@barbadostoday.bb
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