IN a continued effort to break the stigma surrounding mental health care and promote psychosocial development, MIND, a non-governmental organisation established in 2018, will host an event titled “When Men Speak” on January 31, 2025, at the Tree House on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
The event aims to provide a safe and supportive space where men can openly share their experiences, with a particular focus on mental health. Through insightful panel discussions, “When Men Speak” seeks to foster meaningful conversations, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and encourage both men and women to connect and support one another.

According to MIND’s founder and president, Shanette Dey, the event is designed to prioritise mental health and its impact on relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life. “Whether participants are interested in listening, learning, or contributing to the conversation, this is an event you don’t want to miss,” she said.

The panel will feature notable speakers, including: Jonathon Singh, Probation and Social Services Officer; Phillip Williams, Head of EdYou FM; Joel Browne, Musician and Producer, and Andries Foo, General Practitioner
These panelists will share their unique perspectives and experiences, emphasising the importance of normalising open discussions about mental health and creating a culture where men feel safe to express their struggles.

Initially established as “Minda,” which stood for Mental Interest of National Development, the organisation was rebranded as MIND in 2024 to better reflect its mission. Since its inception, MIND has been committed to raising awareness about mental health, promoting wellness practices, and equipping individuals with tools to navigate life’s challenges effectively.

The organisation’s key objectives include raising awareness through sensitisation campaigns to educate communities about mental health and psychosocial development, offering support by providing counselling services and connecting individuals with accessible mental health resources across Guyana, fostering discussions through interactive forums like “When Men Speak” to create safe spaces for sharing experiences, promoting wellness by encouraging mindfulness, meditation, and stress-management techniques, and building resilient communities by empowering individuals to lead healthier lives, ultimately strengthening families and communities.

Beyond forums, MIND hosts various mindfulness and wellness activities to support mental health, including guided meditation sessions that focus on breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and improve mindfulness, mindfulness workshops that provide training on staying present through activities like mindful journaling and mindful eating, stress relief programmes featuring yoga classes and stress-management techniques to enhance work-life balance, and empowerment exercises that include self-affirmation sessions and goal-setting workshops aimed at building confidence and aligning actions with aspirations.

In addition to “When Men Speak,” MIND plans to expand its initiatives in 2025 with more gender forums and mental health sensitisation sessions. The organisation remains dedicated to helping individuals live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives while inspiring them to reach their highest potential.