In commemoration of World Mental Health Month, which is celebrated in The Bahamas during October, RBC recently announced the introduction of the RBC Children's Mental Health Project. World Mental Health Day, which is supported by the United Nations (UN), is celebrated internationally on October 10 and supports the need to raise public awareness about mental health issues worldwide. The RBC Children's Mental Health Project was launched in 2008 in Canada. Its focus is to raise awareness about mental health issues amongst youth.
This year the Project was expanded to include The Bahamas and wider Caribbean region. Locally there is a need to dispel the myths of mental illness and to educate ourselves about the signs and symptoms of such issues in children. Mental health is at the very foundation of a child's readiness for interacting with the world and success in school. Nathaniel Beneby, Market Head, Bahamas, Cayman and Turks and Caicos Islands stated, "Through The RBC Children's Mental Health Project, RBC hopes to partner with other organizations to enable children diagnosed with mental health disorders to overcome issues and focus on a positive future."
The Project's goal is to provide funding to community-based and hospital programs that are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children. Although only 5 years old, the RBC Children's Mental Health Project has committed more than $16 million to support early intervention and public education programs. Public education is an important factor in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. "RBC provides assistance to a range of programmes dedicated to the development of 'the whole child'," said Jan Knowles, Manager, Public Relations and Communications. She continued, "the importance of healthy mental and physical development for children cannot be overestimated. Ensuring the well-being and emotional health of children throughout our communities is a priority for RBC through this programme."
RBC invites non-governmental organizations and charitable organizations to submit proposals for funding. RBC is interested in organizations whose education programmes increase understanding, awareness and provides access to credible information in order to reduce the social stigma about children's mental health issues. For more information about the RBC Children's Mental Health Project, go to http://www.rbc.com/community-sustainability/community/childrens-mental-health/index.html. The deadline for the submission of proposals is October 31st, 2012.
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