It’s National Family Planning Week
OCTOBER 26 to NOVEMBER 1 is being observed as National Family Planning Week.
Dr Sandra Knight, chairperson of the National Family Planning Board, said this year’s activities will take place under the theme, “Building families, building our nation: A focus on vulnerable populations”.
She said the board has realised that many families have vulnerable family members who may be disabled or have a mental issues among other things, and the activities planned will seek to encourage family members to own and take care of their disabled members.
Additionally, family is the first agent of socialisation, economic viability and psychological maturity, as the experience of family living is the single greatest influence on an individual’s life, because it is in the family context that a person’s basic emotional needs for security, belonging, support and intimacy are satisfied.
Dr Knight said that family support is key to the development of the country and this includes the support of the most vulnerable among us.
“Family relationship and support are extremely important no matter your age. Supportive families grow and thrive and so do their members. Positive social support (family or friends) plays an important role in one’s ability to make healthier choices. Social support means being able to access people on whom you can rely if and when you need them. It also means that you have people who look out for you,” she said.
According to research conducted at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina, people who did not have strong social support were 50 per cent more likely to die from illness than those who had such support.
This year’s theme is meant to highlight the need for renewal and support of the various family structures and vulnerable populations that exist in the island. Dr Knight said by addressing these needs, the benefit in the long run for our country will be the creation of a wholesome environment for the growth and safe nurturing of future generations.
