17 September, 1 October, 15 October- PAHO, in partnership with The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) convened a three-part webinar series to engage staff from the Bank’s Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services Network’s cooperating institutions on issues surrounding mental wellbeing of owners of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) and their staff, in times of stress.
The three virtual sessions (held on 7 September, 1 October and 15 October) addressed the following topics: “Understanding the mental health impacts, needs and challenges for MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic”; “Doing what matters in times of stress: practical skills and tools to cope with adversity”; and “A discussion of next steps to protect and promote the mental wellbeing of MSMEs.” Presenters included representatives from PAHO, CDB and the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations (CANPA).
Objectives of the webinar series included understanding what the mental health impacts, needs and challenges are for MSMEs during times of crisis; identifying and raising awareness about the needs of specific groups that may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; providing information and practical tools to help MSMEs cope with stress and adversity; and identifying next steps to strengthen MSMEs’ mental wellbeing and resilience, including mechanisms to build a support system. The series, which is part of CDB’s MSME response to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the Region, also takes into consideration the approaching hurricane season, given natural hazards tend to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.