On Friday, September 20, 2024, the Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt, shared some wonderful news during the Government’s Mid-Year Budget Review. He announced a generous $25 million support package aimed at addressing critical public needs.

I am pleased to say that a key feature of this package is the $2,290,000 investment in a comprehensive mental health support program, set to run until March 31, 2025. This is truly wonderful news for the people of Bermuda!

At the Ministry of Health, we want to ensure that mental health concerns are met with understanding and compassion, not stigma. And, we want everyone to have access to the support they need.

Mental health challenges can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Globally, one in four people will face a mental health issue during their lifetime. Tragically, stigma and discrimination often stand in the way of individuals seeking the help they desperately need, resulting in unnecessary suffering and delayed recovery.

The Ministry of Health will continue to work hard to dismantle these barriers, foster a culture of empathy and support, and ensure that everyone feels understood and has access to the care they need.

Additional funding will significantly bolster our efforts to support mental health initiatives. With more resources, we can expand our programs, reach more people, and provide even better care and support.

So today, I am excited to share our vision for a healthier and more supportive community. While the full details of the programmes will be shared soon, here’s a brief preview.

With funding from the Ministry of Health and collaboration from our many dedicated partners, we are launching a range of initiatives designed to care for the mental well-being of our entire community.

We will soon introduce a comprehensive mental health awareness campaign, aiming to break down the walls of stigma and encourage people to seek help without fear.

We will also roll out a suicide prevention strategy—because saving lives through both protective and preventative measures is our priority.

We also recognize the power of our community. That’s why we’re introducing a community outreach program to engage local leaders and provide critical information and resources directly to where they’re needed most - ensuring that everyone in our community feels seen, heard, and supported.

I am equally excited to announce the National Health Advocacy Program, which builds on successful global models but is tailored specifically for Bermuda.

From mental health literacy programs in schools to national conferences and training for mental health first aid, we are dedicated to equipping people with the knowledge and tools they need.

Our work doesn’t stop there. Through the Mental Health Gap Action Program, led by the Bermuda Hospitals Board, we will integrate mental health into primary care—making support more accessible for all, especially in the early stages when it’s needed most.

We have not forgotten our young people—our future and our greatest responsibility. We understand the challenges they face and are deeply committed to supporting them.

That’s why we are introducing a school-based health behavior intervention program designed to nurture their well-being where they spend so much of their time.

In addition, we will be hosting a Youth Mental Health Summit, a space for our young people to come together, learn, grow, and be empowered with the skills and resources they need. We want them to know they are not alone and that they have the tools to support one another and themselves. This is about building resilience, fostering understanding, and ensuring every young person knows there is help, hope, and a community ready to lift them up.

We are also grateful for the incredible contributions of our community partners—organizations like Age Concern, The Family Center, The Women's Resource Center, and Teen Services. We will continue to support their vital work with funding that expands their impact.

Finally, we are strengthening our own capacity by hiring more staff and creating an emergency fund for those complex cases where mental health and social support must come together.

We now have significant additional resources to tackle mental health throughout all segments of our community.

And, as the Premier said last week, we can confront the growing challenge of mental health, and ensure that mental health resources are more accessible, and support is available for those who need it, helping to reduce stigma and provide healing in our community.

Thank you.