Mental Health Centre Gets Refurbished Therapy Unit to Support Patient Recovery 

By S.Browne. Updated 4:07 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Patients at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre in Glen are expected to benefit from improved rehabilitation opportunities following the refurbishment of the facility’s Occupational Therapy Unit and the donation of essential therapeutic supplies by the Rotary Clubs of St. Vincent.

The upgraded unit was officially handed over on July 8, 2026, with representatives of the Rotary Clubs presenting the refurbished space and donated items to the Centre’s management.

The donation included board games, arts and crafts supplies and other recreational materials identified by the Centre as priorities to support patients’ daily rehabilitation and therapeutic activities.

Occupational therapy forms an important part of rehabilitation by using structured activities to help individuals build skills, improve independence and support their recovery journey.

Director of Mental Health Services, Dr Alisa Alvis, said the refurbished unit will provide patients with opportunities to engage in activities that support their overall rehabilitation.

Alvis said the unit will “allow our clients to engage in purposeful, dignified activities that are central to genuine rehabilitation, not only helping them manage their symptoms, but also rebuilding their skills, restoring their confidence, and providing a pathway to reintegration into society.”

The development comes as mental health officials continue efforts to strengthen services available to persons experiencing mental health challenges in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

During a June 25 press conference, Alvis explained that mental health services extend beyond inpatient care at the Glen facility, with the system also providing outpatient psychiatric clinics, community mental health support and psychosocial services.

She said the goal is to ensure that people can access quality mental health care closer to their communities while reducing reliance on long term hospitalisation where possible.

President of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent South, Kim Haydock, said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable members of society through meaningful partnerships and service.

Haydock said the initiative “is a means of assisting patients with healing and recovery through stimulation of occupational and recreational interventions.”

Senior Nursing Officer at the Mental Health Centre, Kayashma Charles, welcomed the donation, noting the importance of partnerships in supporting the delivery of care.

Charles said, “This investment provides us with an even stronger foundation on which to build our rehabilitation programmes. It will enhance the work already being done while creating new opportunities to promote independence, dignity, and lasting recovery.”

The Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre provides inpatient services, while mental health officials have also highlighted the importance of outpatient and community-based care as part of a wider approach to supporting individuals across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Rotary Clubs of St. Vincent said the project forms part of their broader humanitarian service programme focused on improving lives, strengthening communities and promoting care, dignity and recovery throughout the country.

END