Ministry hosts parental support symposium

THE Community Mediation Services Division of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development is conducting its first virtual Parental Support Group symposium.

Titled Becoming Resilient for your Family: Moving forward with confidence, the sessions began on Zoom from 12.30 pm-1.30 pm on September 28 and end October 1.

In a media release, the division said it "considers that the sustainable development and social transformation of society and the achievement of social justice requires the permeation and pervasive presence of restorative behaviour throughout our society.

"To this end, the division executes a number of initiatives which aim to encourage the adoption of behaviours that are consistent with the underpinning philosophy of mediation, restoration and peace building. The programmes encourage participants to 'Talk it out…not fight it out.'" The Parenting Support Group (PSG) monthly meetings and annual workshops focus on providing support to the parents and promoting peace in the household, the release said.

There are eight in-person PSGs and one Men Support Group with almost 300 active members. The main mission of the interactive groups is to help equip parents with the skills necessary to raise well-adjusted children and to empower men to fulfilling and rewarding lives, the release said.

In endorsing the programme, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe said in the release: “This global pandemic has challenged us to re-engineer and innovate to fulfil our mandate and embrace our responsibilities to the people of TT."

She challenged the team to revise the PSG programme and think beyond the boundaries of the usual four walls in executing this initiative.

As a result, the symposium has been re-structured to ensure its continuity, effective delivery and the safety of staff and participants. The programme is being conducted virtually over the four-day period with pre-recorded presentations followed by a virtual four-part series symposium focusing on the following topics: Mastering your Stress, Understanding your Strengths, The Solution Focussed Mind-set and Purpose as your Guide.

The main symposium presentations are open to all, however. Register to participate by visiting @sportandcommdevtt or https://forms.gle/Tfs7ZiNhFLYRJzRb6