(l-r) Charmaine Miller- FRC Clinical Supervisor, Hon. Franz Manderson- Deputy Governor, Brendon Malice- TCC Programme Coordinator

Grand Cayman, Friday, 30 May 2025– On Thursday, 15 May, the Department of Counselling Services (DCS) was honoured with the “Moments of Magic” Award at the annual Deputy Governor’s Employee of the Year Award Ceremony.

DCS, which now sits under the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES), is dedicated to fostering a healthier, more resilient population by providing key services in the areas of counselling, positive parenting, substance misuse rehabilitation, advocacy, education and prevention, among others.  DCS is made up of three agencies: The Counselling Centre (TCC), the Family Resource Centre (FRC), and Caribbean Haven Residential Centre (CHRC)

“I am very proud of my team’s dedication and commitment to our community, which they have consistently demonstrated for decades since each agency was established. Cayman is very special to me, and it gives me great pride to lead such a diverse team of professionals who demonstrate such compassion, care and concern for the residents of my home each day” explains Judith Seymour, Director of DCS.  “DCS has proudly offered services free of cost to any resident of the Cayman Islands, as our belief is that the individual empowerment leads to stronger communities. It was also important for us to support our Civil Service, to help create a healthy workplace for our colleagues, so we were therefore very intentional with ensuring that the Civil Service were aware of and utilised the broad range of services that we offer. To have this acknowledged in this way is such an important milestone for our team.

DCS was chosen for this award due to their commitment to evidence-based, culturally appropriate programming, ranging from individual and group counselling, to renowned parenting programmes such as Triple-P, to the joint treatment of co-occurring substance misuse and mental health issues.

“DCS has had a profound impact on our community through their various initiatives,” adds Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson, JP.  “They have consistently tailored their services to the diverse needs of our community, utilising a strength-based approach to enhance well-being.  Their work is underpinned by compassion, ethical practice, and creating safe environments for healing and personal growth. “

“I would like to add my congratulations to the DCS team on this award and on the tremendous work that they do with and for our community,” adds Tamara Ebanks, Chief Officer for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES).  “DCS has been a key player in both the health and social development of our islands, and I am looking forward to working with this incredible group of individuals to see how we can best continue to serve our community.”

Spotlight

Caribbean Haven Residential Centre (CHRC) offers non-medical withdrawal management and long-term residential services for adults 18 years and older who struggle with substance use and wish to build a life where they no longer use substances. CHRC’s approach to treatment is person-centered, inclusive, collaborative, and is driven by the client’s readiness for change.
CHRC strive to create an environment that is conducive to change and one that reflects an attitude of hope as well as empathy, genuineness and positive regard for the clients they serve.
For more information: www.chrc.gov.ky<http://www.chrc.gov.ky>  • [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>  • 947-9992

The Counselling Centre (TCC)  is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and enhancing mental health and well-being across our community. TCC proudly offers a range of free services to all residents of the Cayman Islands- including individual, couples, and group counselling- with a primary focus on short-term counselling, designed to address a wide variety of mental health concerns. For more information: www.tcc.gov.ky<http://www.tcc.gov.ky> • [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> • 949-8789

The Family Resource Centre (FRC) is dedicated to providing a wide range of services and programmes to promote and support healthy family relationships. FRC provides a wide range of free services and programmes to equip families with tools and strategies to parent confidently. FRC offers short-term, long-term and comprehensive programmes that cater to the needs of families and individuals. Amongst the programmes and services offered include: Stop Now And Plan (SNAP), Young Parent Services, Co-Parenting One Heart Two Homes, Positive Discipline Workshop, Parenting Ages and Stages and The Teen Toolbox Workshop. SNAP Summer Camp registration is now open. For more information: http://www.frc.gov.ky/ • [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> • 949-8789

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