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Guyana to launch Embrace online mental health platform
Guyana’s Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is launching ‘Embrace’, a free and confidential national online mental health and therapy platform. The service is scheduled to become available via the Ministry’s website and Facebook page on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Designed to address long-term challenges such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and abuse, the platform will initially prioritize survivors and families affected by the MV Barima tragedy. The service will offer confidential audio and video sessions connecting users with specialists and volunteers from the Guyanese diaspora.
Officials emphasized that Embrace is intended to complement, rather than replace, existing in-person counseling. Ongoing on-the-ground support continues through the HEART Initiative, which utilizes social workers and psychologists for home visits and regional counseling hubs. The ministry has also requested support from the Red Cross and the United Nations, with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) already providing assistance.
Entities
Dr Vindhya Persaud · Guyana · MV Barima · Ministry of Human Services and Social Security · Pan American Health Organisation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Financial assistance for families who lost a breadwinner is being assessed on a case-by-case basis. guyanatimesgy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ministry has formally requested support from the Red Cross and the United Nations. guyanatimesgy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud announced the launch of the EMBRACE online counselling platform. guyanatimesgy.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The EMBRACE platform link will be available on the Ministry’s website and Facebook page on Friday, August 21, 2026. ncnguyana.com · inewsguyana.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The platform will connect users with specialists and volunteers from the Guyanese diaspora via audio and video sessions. guyanatimesgy.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The platform will initially launch for survivors and families affected by the MV Barima disaster. guyanatimesgy.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The online platform is intended to complement rather than replace existing in-person counselling services. ncnguyana.com · inewsguyana.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The platform is designed to address long-term mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. ncnguyana.com · inewsguyana.com