YOUTH Challenge Guyana (YCG) will spearhead a civil society effort targeting the subject of suicide with the aim of raising awareness of protective services available to address the issue.At the same time the European Union, which is funding the initiative, is calling for enhanced dialogue between civil society and the government. This came to the fore on Wednesday at the Promenade Gardens in Georgetown, where the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtic, inked agreements with the YCG and its partners to the tune of $87.9M in funding.
The monies will be utilsied by three entities, YCG, Merundoi and Family Awareness Consciousness Togetherness (FACT) with the aim of increasing the supply of protective services for people at risk of suicide through a collaborative network, which will be connected to several communities across the country.

Speaking about the project to representatives of several NGOs, civil society and members of the diplomatic corps , Dmitri Nicholson, Executive Director of YCG, said that the three entities will work along with NGOs to raise awareness of the protective services available , including counselling .
Nicholson said that many persons are familiar with the frequency of reports on suicide cases. “Unfortunately, many are not aware of what triggers such actions and what powers we have to intervene,” he added.
He said the group will venture into Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 and will work along with organisations there. This, he noted, is to ensure that the services are closest to the most vulnerable populations and communities. They will receive capacity-building to strengthen and enhance their existing efforts.
The project will target 3000 persons in the age range of 14 to 45 years over a period of three years.
“We are looking at ensuring partners who offer services in the area[of] counseling, receive further strength to enhance a bit more what they are doing,” he added.
Nicholson expressed the belief that many persons are suffering in silence and are unsure of where to turn for assistance.
“One reason is that many people in difficult circumstances often do not know what services are available and don’t know how to access those,” he noted, adding that via the initiative he expected the scenario will change.
Nicholson noted that the group intends to work with the Ministry of Education and by extension the schools to ensure that children who have experienced or are experiencing traumatic situations receive assistance.

During his address, the EU Ambassador said that through the projects, which it sponsors, the aim is to enhance the dialogue process between civil society and the government. Against this backdrop, he said that political decisions should include consultations with civil society, “preferably even in a structured way.” He said this ensures that the voices of all are heard before a decision is finally taken.
Environmentalist, Dr Raquel Thomas, who noted that she has had personal experiences on the subject of suicide, told the gathering that depression is a state which cannot be changed easily.
She called for the raising of awareness on the issue and other social concerns within the school system. Dr Thomas commended efforts which the Education Ministry has implemented, by placing counsellors within the nation’s schools. She also called for more action beyond the speeches.