The success of the ‘Return to Happiness Programme’ designed to assist children ages 5 to 12 with psychosocial problems due to traumatic events, will be celebrated on Saturday, June 23.

The programme was implemented shortly after the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and is collaboration between the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

Director of Community Mental Health, Dr. Virginia Rubaine said, “Before the storm we had 35 trained Return to Happiness facilitators and post hurricanes we trained an additional 200 teachers, because we wanted to ensure that no child was left behind and that they were given the necessary support to increase resiliency post the hurricanes.”

Dr. Rubaine said the event will acknowledge the programme’s participants and provide an opportunity for children, parents and teachers to cut loose and unwind in the midst of continuing recovery efforts.

“It has been almost a year and we still continue recovery efforts.  We need a day to exhale and this event is designed to do just that,” Dr. Rubaine added.

The Return to Happiness event will be held at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School grounds from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will feature a high energy, fun day filled with prizes and surprises including face painting, bouncy castle, music, food, and a Black Panther dance challenge.

Dr. Rubaine further added that the event will also be used as a resource for persons interested in accessing mental wellness services. Information booths will be manned by personnel from the Department of Disaster Management, the BVIHSA’s Road Town Health Clinic and Dental Clinic, and the Diabetes Association.

Families are encouraged to participate in the UNICEF sponsored event.

BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent compassionate client centered healthcare across the Territory.