United for Youth: Summer Cs Mental Health Events

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), together with various government ministries, departments, and non-profit stakeholders, have announced a programme of events aimed at promoting positive youth mental health across the Cayman Islands during the summer holidays.

Launched on 30 June 2025, the Summer Cs Campaign supports key mental health events available through the summer, that link to the needs of young people. The campaign also connects children, youth, parents and guardians to mental health services and resources available in the Cayman Islands.

The summer months, while welcomed by children and youth, can be particularly difficult given the relative absence of a daily routine, lack of consistent engagement with peers, and minimal contact with external safe adults in the community. Youth mental health in the Cayman Islands is also growing concern, with a significant increase in both the number of young people seeking support and the number of visits to mental health services, which signals a clear need for increased awareness, accessible support, and proactive measures to address mental health challenges among young people in the islands.

In 2024, young people across the Cayman Islands came together at the Inspire Youth Event, to openly discuss pressing issues such as mental health, self-care, and community wellbeing in a setting that encouraged open expression and collaborative problem-solving. Data gathered anonymously from the event helped organisers and stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of the mental health landscape affecting young people in Cayman.

The Summer Cs Campaign has curated a calendar of events based on the insights gained from the Inspire Youth Event. The Campaign is founded on the ‘Five Cs’ of positive mental health and wellbeing: Connection, Compassion, Coping, Community, and Care. The campaign will highlight events, services, and resources available to children and young adults aged 12 to 25 From 1 July to 31 August.

Some of the upcoming events include:

SNAP Summer Camp: Provides children with an opportunity to build positive relationships with peers and adults, learn and apply emotion regulation and problem solving skills through the steps of SNAP on a daily basis with the coaching from SNAP Camp Leaders and Staff (8 -18 July).

Beyond the Islands: Insightful discussion on what it really means to be an overseas student (19. July).

APF Teen Talk: A monthly virtual peer support group space for young adults (4 August).

Child Safety Matters Workshop: A comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum for elementary school students in grades K-5. The programme educates and empowers children and all relevant adults with information and strategies to prevent, recognise, and respond appropriately to bullying, cyberbullying, all types of abuse, and digital abuse dangers. (8 August).

View full list of summer events and services here: Summer Cs Calendar of Events 

“We know that summer can be a vulnerable time for many children and teens,” said Charmaine Miller, Programme Manager at the Department of Counselling Services (DCS). “Our goal is to make sure that young people and their families know where to turn—and to encourage open conversations, connection, and access to support.”

Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister of Social Development & Innovation, commented: “Supporting the mental health and social development of our young people must be a collective priority. The Summer Cs Campaign is an important example of how agencies across government and the non-profit sector can come together to create safe, supportive spaces for youth. By investing in connection, care and community, we are helping to build resilience in the next generation, ensuring they have access to the resources they need—not just in times of crisis, but every day.”

Dr. Chantal Basson Clinical Psychologist at the Health Services Authority (HSA), added, “This campaign is about giving our youth the tools they need to thrive. Whether it’s coping strategies, supportive events, or just knowing someone cares—every message and every resource can make a difference.”

Beyond fun and engaging events, the Summer Cs Campaign also promotes the Mental Health Services & Support Contact Guide —a resource-packed directory that includes both emergency and non-emergency contacts for vital support services such as:

• Alex Panton Foundation Kids Helpline
• MASH (for reporting child safeguarding issues—yours or someone else’s)
• Family Resource Centre (FRC)
• The Counselling Centre
• Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
• and other community-based support services

Families are encouraged to explore weekly event highlights, follow campaign partners online, and access downloadable resources that provide immediate mental health guidance and referrals. View the Mental Health Services & Support Contact Guide here.

About MASH: The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a central team in the Cayman Islands that brings together social workers, police, health, and education professionals to coordinate responses to child safeguarding concerns. MASH ensures early identification of risks, supports mandatory reporting, and promotes information sharing to protect children and connect families with the services they need.

Summer Cs Campaign Partners:

• Cayman Islands Government (CIG)
• Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)
• Alex Panton Foundation
• Health Services Authority (HSA)
• Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
• Ministry of Education and Training (MOET)
• Department of Education Services (DES)
• Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES)
• Ministry of Social Development and Innovation (MSDI)
• Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
• Youth Services Unit (YSU)
• Family Resource Centre (FRC)
• Department of Counselling Services (DCS)