All set for seventh annual mental health expo
TRELAWNY, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Global Hands Foundation will be hosting its seventh annual mental health expo aimed at providing beneficiaries with empowerment sessions and giveaways.
Set for the Bounty Hall Primary School in Trelawny, the fair will be held on August 9 between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Carleen Coates, philanthropist and founder of Global Hands, noted that she wanted to continue a family legacy of giving back.
“My parents are Jamaicans, and my father always goes back to Jamaica to give back to the less fortunate. My father passed away 15 years ago, and I decided to follow in his footsteps to reach out to people in the community that are in need of food and medical supplies,” Coates said.
Guest speakers will include Deputy Mayor of Falmouth Johnathan Bartley, and Donovan Haughton.
Meanwhile, the panellists will be: Sofia Commito, Roslyn Washington, Mikiko Thelwell, Lakeshia Ashley-Elliot, Asha Mwendo, Shantel Skyers, and Rusheena Rodney Pryce.
The mental health fair will also feature a tribute to Empress Meisha with performances from D’Angel, Ibo Fyah, Diamond Liyah and Razor B.
Meanwhile, Coates has high ambitions of expanding the foundation to other regional countries.
“I would like to spread Global Hands around the Caribbean, reaching people with mental health [issues], as well as people who are less fortunate. I would provide medical care and supplies and also food supplies,” she said.
Global Hands is in its 14th year of existence.
Coates has been a mental health nurse for 18 years. She has worked with both children and adults, with certifications to deal with both groups.
