THE BARBADOS VAGRANTS and Homeless Society (BVHS) says mental evaluation is in store for people who benefit from its programmes.
According BVHS president Kemar Saffrey, this element, which got into full swing on Saturday at the society’s second annual Christmas luncheon in Queen’s Park, was introduced as a result of an observation made during a weekly programme.
“I realize that a lot of these guys living on the streets have signs of mental problems that I want to deal with before these problems become bigger and get worse,” Saffrey said.
“I am seeing the signs during our feeding sessions through mingling and talking with these men.
“You could pick up when the drugs acting up in them and when they are becoming flustered.
I have already had an altercation with one guy who was acting up. I want to deal with this problem before it is too late.”
Saffrey told the DAILY?NATION that increased sponsorship has encouraged the society to expand the event.
“Due to the generous donation from lots of people, including a good response from corporate Barbados, we were able to expand [yesterday’s] Feeding Day activities.
“This year, we will be giving the homeless more health check-ups such as heart tests and HIV testing,” Saffrey said. (AH)