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Mar 24, 2026 
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The Guyana Police Force on Thursday warned the public, particularly members of the business community, to exercise caution amid reports of...
Efforts ongoing to support homeless with mental health challenges
Efforts ongoing to support homeless with mental health challenges
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security continues to lead efforts to assist homeless individuals with mental health challenges.
This initiative is supported by ongoing collaborations between the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
During a press conference at the National Communications Network (NCN) on Saturday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, stated that her ministry has a dedicated response team to address this issue.
The team conducts outreach at least twice per week to ensure that individuals are taken off the streets.
This exercise is carried out by the Ministry of Human Services in partnership with the GPF.
“They are placed at the Night Shelter. If they have mental health challenges, they are treated through the Mental Health Unit, which falls under the Ministry of Health.
Sometimes we go beyond that to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation… We have a very effective partnership,” Minister Persaud noted.
The Night Shelter, operated by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, offers temporary accommodation and care for homeless and indigent individuals.
“I want to make it very clear that the Night Shelter, while it falls under the Ministry of Human Services, is not a prison. We cannot force people to stay. We provide care, accommodation, and food. Sometimes people stay for a long time, and sometimes they leave and return. We have this fluid situation that exists,” the minister explained.
She also commended the Ministry of Health’s programmes aimed at tackling mental health issues, including training and internal capacity building. (DPI)
If you or someone you know needs assistance, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security offers support through the following helplines: Domestic Violence – 914, Childcare Protection Agency – 227-0979, Trafficking in Persons – 227-4083 / 623-5030, Suicide Prevention (Esperanza Hotline) – 624-0079, Mental Health — 226-1416.
