BLOSSOM Inc. is a children’s charitable organisation based in Guyana and is best known for working along with children who were sexually abused or severely physically abused.
However, in a time of need, the organisation is not only giving psychological support but it is also distributing hampers to persons in need.

Several families in Region 10 have recently benefitted from the organisation’s caring gesture. According to Coordinator of Blossom Inc., Melissa Chapman, the distribution was the organisation’s way of helping persons to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the organisation is not allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to stop it from carrying out its duties. The organisation now does virtual counselling with its clients. It also does forensic interviews, while observing the hygienic guidelines put out by the Ministry of Public Health.

“Due to the pandemic we are working from home but we still go out and conduct our forensic interviews when the police call and report a matter. Also, every week we call our clients, find out how they are coping and we give them different coping strategies. They are allowed to call us, at any time, if they feel the need to talk because you know some children would want to vent about something that’s bothering them,” explained Chapman.

Chapman noted that hampers were also distributed in Region 4, with Region 7 being next on the non-governmental organisation’s agenda to benefit from the hamper distribution.
Blossom Inc. was registered in 2014 and founded with the aims of supporting the Guyana Police Force and Child Care and Protection Agency with sensitive cases of child abuse, and to support children and families affected by trauma.

The organisation, which was founded by Family Therapist, Ayo Dalgety-Dean, specialises in forensic interview and therapeutic counselling so that children who have suffered from trauma can begin a healthy healing process and have a better future.
The Blossom Inc. conducts outreach sessions across the country providing much needed awareness on child sexual abuse and violence.

The organisation has branches in Regions One, Two, Four, Seven, 10 and is currently in the process of opening a branch in Kwakwani where there have been numerous reports of sexual abuse.

If you know of a child who is being abused, you are being advised to contact the Child Care and Protection Agency’s hotline on telephone number 2270979. Persons interested in contributing to the organisation can call 6596700.