Alex Panton Foundation Reps Attend Global Mental Health Conferences in Vienna

The Alex Panton Foundation (APF) is proud to announce the participation of Executive Director Emily Kelly and Rhonda Kelly, founder of the Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund, in two prestigious international mental health conferences held in Vienna this past week.

The first, the IASP World Congress, hosted by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, brought together over 800 mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the globe. The event provided access to the latest global data, research, and evidence-based tools for suicide prevention, many of which are highly applicable to the context of the Cayman Islands.

Following the World Congress, the team joined delegates from 25 countries at the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) International Conference. Participants shared outcomes and best practices from MHFA programs around the world. Countries with large-scale MHFA rollouts, including the United States, have seen millions trained, offering a powerful model for the Cayman Islands’ ongoing implementation efforts.

“These conferences were both deeply inspiring and incredibly practical,” said Emily Kelly, Executive Director of the Alex Panton Foundation. “Hearing firsthand how Mental Health First Aid has transformed national responses to mental health challenges confirms the value of our current work in Cayman. The insights and global partnerships we’ve gained will help us build a more compassionate and effective mental health system at home.”

 The learnings from Vienna will directly inform the strategic direction of both the Alex Panton Foundation and the Addison Kelly Fund as they continue expanding access to education, resources, and early intervention programmes across the Cayman Islands.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and a wide network of public and private stakeholders, APF remains committed to strengthening the mental health landscape through coordinated action, informed policy, and sustainable community-based programs. Together, these partnerships are helping to shape a more compassionate, resource-rich, and resilient approach to mental health for all residents of the Cayman Islands.