In a vibrant initiative set to intensify mental health support, Yolette Hinds has launched Talk and Listen Care Services (TLC), an innovative programme that combines the calming art of yoga with the insightful practice of counselling. Through this, she aims to restore balance for individuals navigating life’s challenges, where emotional wellness often takes a backseat to physical health.
At just 39 years old, Hinds brings a rich tapestry of experience to TLC. A dedicated volunteer from ages 16 to 23, her passion for helping vulnerable children has driven her career as a family counsellor over the past five years. As the fourth of five children raised in Sophia, she intimately understands the cultural nuances and stigma surrounding mental health in her community, which fuelled her desire to be a catalyst for change.
TLC is on a mission to demonstrate that mental health support isn’t a privilege reserved for the affluent. Hinds is committed to making counselling affordable and accessible, particularly in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Pattensen, Lillendal, and Turkeyen. With free yoga sessions for all ages, including children, TLC is breaking down barriers and inviting everyone to embrace a holistic approach to well-being.
TLC has launched the “Healthy Me, Healthy You” project, focusing on providing counselling support, yoga, and life skills sessions aimed at improving hygiene care and self-esteem in children from Sophia. This ongoing initiative includes group seminars and one-on-one counselling designed to boost the appearance and emotional development of children aged 11 to 19. Local community development groups, such as Gems With A Purpose and High Flyers Rocketeers, will be key beneficiaries and partners in this important work, along with the children in the area.
On September 14, 2024, the project was officially launched at Kingsway Community Church in Sophia, with Food for the Poor Guyana stepping in as the main sponsor for the project’s year-long life. They provided 80 personal care kits to support the children, ensuring they have the essentials for hygiene and self-care.
Operating without a physical office, TLC harnesses technology to offer counselling through platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. This remote model allows clients to connect with their counsellors from the comfort of their homes, making mental health support just a click away. Plus, the convenience of mobile money payments adds an extra layer of accessibility.
Clients have described how physical tension linked to emotional stress melts away through yoga techniques like deep breathing and mindful movement. This newfound awareness empowers individuals to manage their responses to anxiety and anger, fostering a sense of calm amidst life’s storms.
But TLC isn’t stopping there. The organisation is particularly passionate about nurturing the mental health of children. Through engaging programmes, they aim to provide early intervention for young people at risk, helping reduce crime and cultivating understanding and resilience. Their initiative includes free counselling for children in the Sophia area, along with craft training and life skills workshops designed to uplift and empower the next generation.
Hinds, a seasoned social worker, draws from her own experiences of trauma to highlight the profound connection between mind and body. By incorporating relatable language—such as Creole—into sessions, TLC aims to create a warm, inviting atmosphere where clients feel comfortable to open up and heal.
As TLC continues to grow, the organisation envisions a future where mental health support becomes a cornerstone of community life. With a comprehensive array of offerings—including group counselling, family therapy, and specialised workshops on anger management and trauma relief—TLC is on the brink of transforming the mental health landscape in Guyana, promoting well-being through the empowering blend of counselling and yoga.
For those ready to embark on a journey toward a healthier, more balanced life, TLC invites community members to connect through its lively Facebook page, Talk and Listen Care Services. (Khadidja Ba)
