$8.4 million to aid mental health recovery

Approximately $8.4 million has been allocated in the national Budget to support the rehabilitation of individuals recovering from mental health challenges.

The funds will help sustain operations at the Kenneth Royes Rehabilitation Centre in Spanish Town, St Catherine. This facility serves as a transitional institution for clients who no longer require hospitalisation, but need structured support before full reintegration into society.

Rehabilitation efforts at the centre focus primarily on occupational therapy, with activities including craft-making, sewing, agriculture, animal husbandry, and poultry rearing.

Overall, the Government has projected $2.8 billion in spending on mental health services, with the majority of the funds earmarked for occupational therapy programmes at the Bellevue Hospital.