A promise in the Budget of reinstating and integrating counselling services for young people has been welcomed by mental health and grief professionals.

Bermuda’s fiscal plan, outlined by David Burt on Friday, touched on counselling services to address many of the pressures seen in the island’s healthcare, justice and education systems that “have roots much earlier in people’s lives”.

It said that access to counselling and early mental health support, particularly for young people, has been “fragmented or inconsistent at the point when it could make the greatest difference”.

The Premier said in his Budget Statement that there would be a “phased integration” of counselling services, including specifically for youth.

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2026-27 Budget Statement

Gina Spence, the founder of the Gina Spence Programme and an advanced grief recovery specialist, said: “This is a compassionate and preventive investment.

“From our lived experience, we know that early and consistent access to counselling can prevent grief and trauma from deepening into crisis, especially when services are co-ordinated across health, education and social systems.

“It aligns closely with our Helping Children with Loss programme, the only educational workshop initiative of its kind in Bermuda that equips educators, parents and community leaders at the grass roots and within the education environment to support grieving children through co-ordinated early intervention, education and care.

“Truly, help earlier means fewer emergencies later.”

Kelly Madeiros, the managing director and cofounder of Solstice, a holistic wellness centre in Hamilton, who has worked in Bermuda’s social service system for more than 25 years, said she was encouraged by the Government’s commitment.

She said: “The recognition that ‘help earlier means fewer emergencies later’ reflects what those of us in the field see every day — prevention works.

“When counselling is accessible early, particularly for young people, we reduce the likelihood that manageable challenges escalate into crises affecting families, schools, hospitals and the justice system.

“At Solstice, we have seen first-hand how timely intervention can change life trajectories — whether through early childhood support, adolescent counselling or psychiatric rehabilitation.

“Early access strengthens resilience and reduces long-term social and economic cost.

“The key now will be implementation. Ensuring that services are co-ordinated, accessible and free from unnecessary barriers will be critical.

“Every door should be the right door when someone reaches out for help.”

Ms Madeiros said it was also important to continue strengthening professional standards and accountability within the sector so that expanded access is matched with evidence-based, high-quality care.

She added: “This commitment signals positive momentum.

“If we build on it thoughtfully — including through collaboration with experienced providers already working in the community — Bermuda has an opportunity to create a more preventive and responsive mental health system.”

Mr Burt said in his Budget Statement: “This Budget provides for the reinstatement and phased integration of counselling services, including youth counselling, within a co-ordinated framework that aligns health, education and social services.

“The intention is not to recreate isolated programmes, but to ensure that counselling support is accessible, properly resourced and progressively embedded within the systems that already work with young people and families.

“It is our view that help earlier means fewer emergencies later. By intervening earlier and more consistently, we reduce the likelihood that manageable challenges escalate into crises that place heavier strain on hospitals, courts and social services.

“This is a disciplined and preventive investment that improves wellbeing, supports families and helps lower long-term public costs.”

Specific allocations in the mental health space are expected to be shared in more detail during the upcoming Budget debate.

All ministries received an increase in this year’s Budget, with the Ministry of Health welcoming the biggest increase — 23 per cent over the previous year to $156.5 million.

The Ministry of Education received $156.5 million, representing a boost of $7.3 million, or 5 per cent, over the previous year.

The Department of Education saw an increase in funding for school psychology of $40,000 to $1,335,000.

Counselling services specific to violence were mentioned under the Ministry of National Security which was allocated $137 million, an increase of $9 million, or 7 per cent

The Budget Statement said: “The ministry headquarters, as part of the National Violence Reduction Strategy, has been allocated funding to continue its support of outreach and counselling services in the community.

“This funding will provide for education programmes and antiviolence campaigns, as well as individual and family counselling and support services, all of which are aimed at reducing violence in the community.”

Ms Spence said: “The fallout from unresolved grief is massive as it pertains to children, families and communities.

“I am encouraged to see the ministry’s budget increased by 7 per cent as the needs of our community continue to grow, particularly in the areas of counselling services and mental health support for our young people. We have over 100 children in our database left behind from violence. We are presently serving over 30 families.

“Simply put, when a child or family loses a loved one to murder, the wound is not only emotional, it is traumatic, deep and life-altering. If that grief is left unresolved, it does not fade with time; it quietly transforms into trauma, anxiety, anger and prolonged suffering.

“Grief counselling helps to heal the invisible wounds of violent loss. It provides children and families with a safe and compassionate space to process their pain, restore a sense of safety and begin their journey towards hope and healing.

“Without intentional grief support, the silence of unresolved grief can shape a child’s future. With trauma-informed care, healing becomes possible, resilience is strengthened and lives are protected.”

She said her charity stood with Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, and his ministry.

Funding was also allocated under national security to support the Bermuda National Drug Control’s adolescent substance abuse treatment programme.