The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is preparing to launch online counselling services via a new platform, EMRACE, with its main focus being the provision of support to persons affected by the MV Barima tragedy.
During an appearance on the Starting Point podcast, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said the first project under EMBRACE will be the ministry’s National Counselling Platform, bringing together professionals from the diaspora as well as persons in Guyana.
Through the platform, persons seeking help will be able to see a list of available professionals and their specialities and request a suitable appointment time. Counselling will be confidential and can be provided through voice or audiovisual sessions.
Persaud said several organisations and professionals have already contributed to the initiative, including the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers and the University of Guyana’s Social Work Department. International specialist support was also facilitated through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Persaud also shared that her team has already tested the platform.
“The final product should be out this week and we should be able to provide that to the public,” she said.
While support for persons affected by the MV Barima tragedy will be its first initiative, Persaud said the National Counselling Platform will expand over time.