Climate Resiliency Pop-Up Camps and Ongoing Care
CLIMATE RISK
Geographically situated in the tropical cyclone belts, both direct risks from extreme weather events and indirect risks to quality of life are a vital matter for immediate cross-sectoral collaboration, not only in relief efforts from the most recent Category 4 Hurricane to hit Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique (July 1, 2024), but also in cultivating longer term mental health resiliency factors for communities that must adapt to ongoing climate risks and threats. Research demonstrates climate change has significant implications on the mental health of young people living in low-resource settings. With over 25% living below the poverty level across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, climate change exacerbates social determinants of health and places children and youth disproportionately at risk for poor health, educational and wellbeing outcomes if trauma is not addressed.
AND TRAUMA RELIEF
Reach Within has been providing trauma relief since Hurricane Ivan (2004) and was on the ground in Carriacou and Petite Martinique within days following Hurricane Beryl (July 1, 2024) with supplies for children and teens and the delivery of psychological first aid in the form of acute intervention and on-going pop-up camps. We are poised to do the same should another catastrophe hit. Additionally, under the guidance of trauma psychologists, Reach Within has developed a training program for laypeople in the communities of Carriacou and Petite Martinique whereby they act as paraprofessionals capable of delivering trauma-informed care for children and youth who continue to require psychological support. Trauma relief camps and school-based trauma healing modules are currently under development so that no child is left behind. Reach Within views psychosocial support as vital to healing and building strength in both children and adults post-trauma-inducing events. Thus, we support communities in the wake of such events, as well as in preparation for future ones.
