Dart announced on Wednesday a multi-year sponsorship of the Alex Panton Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on helping children and young people struggling with mental illness in the Cayman Islands.
The foundation has a particular focus on anxiety and depression among young adults and children. As part of the sponsorship from Dart, the foundation will receive $40,000 each year for the next three years to facilitate an internationally recognised and evidence-based programme that builds emotional literacy in children ages 5 to 12 years old.
“Early emotional and social education is the foundation of a resilient and compassionate community. Equipping our youth with strong emotional literacy and healthy coping skills is not just beneficial – it’s essential,” said Alex Panton Foundation Executive Director Emily Kelly.
“We’re thrilled to have Dart’s support in this mission. Their investment in our emotional literacy programmes not only helps us reach more young people, but also ensures the sustainability and growth of this critical initiative for years to come.”
The foundation was established in 2018 in memory of Alex Panton, who succumbed to the effects of severe depression at the age of 16. The organisation aims to provide hope and resources to friends, family, teachers, classmates and carers to help improve or save the lives of children and young adults struggling with mental illness.
“We recognise that many of our youth are facing mental health challenges,” said Dart Chief of Staff Joanne Lawson.
“As we considered how we could play a meaningful role in addressing this concerning trend, it was evident that supporting the Alex Panton Foundation would help it make a bigger impact in the community.
“We are pleased that with Dart’s support, the foundation will be able to further its work to eradicate the long-standing stigma around mental illness in the Cayman Islands through the power of education and awareness,” Lawson said, adding that she hoped other members of the business community would follow suit.
The total value of the sponsorship is more than $138,000. In addition to the annual payments, the sponsorship will cover funding for additional training of the foundation’s master trainers for the Emotional Literacy Support programme in 2025.
Further assistance will be provided over the next three years to bolster awareness about the Kids Helpline, a project created by the foundation that offers educational materials on mental health challenges and provides a confidential emotional support listening service by trained volunteers.
The Kids Helpline, a confidential and anonymous service staffed by trained volunteers, can be accessed online at kidshelpline.ky or by downloading an app. It provides information on mental health topics, including signs of struggle, coping tools and tips on accessing support.
In addition to its emotional literacy programme and the Kids Helpline, the Alex Panton Foundation undertakes a variety of initiatives to improve the mental health of children and young adults in the Cayman Islands through advocacy, awareness and support.
For further information visit alexpantonfoundation.ky.