Leaders urged to tackle workplace mental health at upcoming seminar

As concerns grow over mental health challenges in Guyana, a new leadership-focused seminar is aiming to shift how workplaces respond to the issue, starting from the top.

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, professionals across sectors will gather at the Bel Air Lions Club, Enachu, Section K for a one-day Leadership & Mental Health Seminar under the theme: “Strong Minds, Strong Leaders: Leading with Resilience in a Demanding World.”

The initiative, hosted by the Catalyst Leaders Network in collaboration with Tull Clinical Psychotherapy, is designed specifically for leaders—those responsible for managing people and shaping workplace culture.

Mental health practitioner Shane Tull, who has spent the past decade providing services across Guyana’s public and private sectors, says the seminar is intentionally targeted at organizations rather than individuals.

“We’ve approached mental health largely from the individual standpoint,” Tull explained. “But the two main places people spend most of their time are home and work. If those environments are not supportive, it becomes much harder for people to cope.”

According to Tull, many employees are reluctant to seek help due to fear—particularly concerns about confidentiality and how disclosure might affect promotions or workplace perception.

“People tell me, ‘I don’t mind getting help, but I don’t want my job to know,’” he said. “That stigma is still very real.”

The seminar will focus on empowering managers, HR professionals, supervisors, and organizational leaders with practical tools to:

• Identify signs of mental health crises in staff
• Respond appropriately and support employees
• Maintain confidentiality and build trust
• Create healthier, more resilient workplace environments

Tull emphasized that leadership plays a critical role in shaping workplace culture.

“It’s not just about getting employees to do their best—it’s about helping them be their best,” he said. “Leaders must create safe spaces where mental health is understood and supported.”

Joining him is Clairmonte G.W. Frank, a leadership expert known for his work in corporate and non-profit leadership development. Together, they aim to bridge the gap between leadership practices and mental health awareness.

A major goal of the seminar is to challenge misconceptions about mental health.

“Someone experiencing a mental health crisis is not ‘damaged,’” Tull noted. “They can still live productive lives and contribute meaningfully to their organization.”

He added that integrating mental health into workplace policies should be seen as an investment—not a liability.

“Companies already provide medical and dental care. Mental health care is just as important. When employees feel supported, they’re more productive—it benefits the entire organization.”

The event is not a one-off effort. Organizers plan to extend support beyond the seminar by offering on-site training and consultations for organizations, helping them implement mental health strategies within their structures.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Venue: Bel Air Lions Club, Enachu, Section K
• Cost:
  • $20,000 per person
  • $15,000 per person (groups of 5 or more)

The seminar will be interactive and includes refreshments and lunch. Organizers are targeting approximately 80 participants, particularly those in leadership roles across corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.

The event is geared toward:

• Business leaders and executives
• HR professionals
• Managers and supervisors
• NGO and ministry leaders
• Anyone responsible for managing teams

Registration

Interested participants can register online via the link provided on the event flyer or contact the organizers directly.

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