Where to Find Support for Yourself or Your Family in Cayman

If you need help with essential costs, family matters, healthcare or your wellbeing, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide brings together selected Government services and community organisations that people in Cayman can turn to for support. 

Helping people access health and social services and supporting wellbeing at different stages of life are part of Government's Health and Social Development priority. Services have different eligibility and referral requirements, so check before applying. 

If You Need Help with Essential Costs 

If you are struggling to meet living costs, the Department of Financial Assistance can provide support to eligible individuals and families unable to cover essential expenses, including food, accommodation, utilities and health-related expenses. Assistance is generally short-term, although longer-term support may be available for those who need ongoing assistance. 

Eligibility is based on factors including Caymanian status, residency, household income and savings and whether household expenses exceed income. You can check the eligibility criteria and use DFA's self-assessment tool before applying, with applications also available online.  

Families with young children may also be eligible for support with early childhood education costs through the Early Childhood Assistance Programme (ECAP), which provides funding towards fees at approved early childhood centres for eligible Caymanian children. Families can review the requirements and apply through the Ministry’s application portal.  

If You Need Family or Parenting Support 

Families may need support at different times and for different reasons. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) provides social work and family services ranging from early intervention to more intensive support for children and families experiencing difficult circumstances. 

Parents and caregivers can also access support through the Family Resource Centre (FRC), which offers free programmes and services including parenting programmes, individual parent coaching and services for young parents.  

Eligibility and access requirements vary by service. Families can contact DCFS through its website, while the Family Resource Centre provides information on programme eligibility and registration. 

If You Need Disability Support 

Support is available for people with disabilities at different stages of life. For children and young people with moderate to profound special educational needs, the Lighthouse School provides specialised education focused on helping students develop academic, communication, life and independence skills.  

For adults with disabilities, the Sunrise Adult Training Centre provides training and services focused on empowerment and independence, including vocational training and employment support to help clients develop skills and explore new opportunities. 

If You Are Concerned About a Child's Safety 

If you have reasonable concerns that a child or young person under 18 may be experiencing abuse or neglect, you can report it to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), by calling +1 (345) 945-0545 or 1-800-534-2273 (toll-free), emailing MASH@gov.ky or making a referral in person. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.  

MASH is an existing safeguarding service that brings together the Department of Children and Family Services, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and partners across health and education. Referrals are assessed to understand the risks a child may be facing and determine the appropriate response and support.  

If You or an Older Family Member Need Support 

Older persons and their families may need different types of support as circumstances change. The Department of Children and Family Services' Elderly Services team supports people aged 65 and older and their families through assessments, care coordination, advocacy and social work services, including support for those who require care at home or in a residential facility. The team also responds to concerns about elder abuse or neglect. 

The Council of Older Persons can also help people find information on available services and resources, alongside its wider advocacy role. 

For those who need additional day-to-day care, The Pines Retirement Home provides residential and respite care, alongside day care and assisted living services for older persons with different levels of care needs. 

If You Need Healthcare or Support in Your Community 

The Health Services Authority (HSA) provides hospital, primary care and specialist services available at locations across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. These include general practice, immunisations, maternal and child healthcare and a range of specialist services. 

HSA's Public Health services focus on prevention and wellbeing, including vaccination programmes, school health, nutrition services, child health and communicable disease screening. 

For eligible patients who have difficulty accessing care outside their home, HSA's Home Care services provide healthcare in the home. 

If You Need Counselling or Mental Health Support 

If you are experiencing challenges with your mental health, relationships or wellbeing, support is available through the Department of Counselling Services. The Counselling Centre provides free and confidential individual, couples and group counselling to residents. 

People can contact the Department directly to access services, with new and returning clients generally beginning with an intake to understand their needs and identify the most appropriate support. 

If You Need Rehabilitation or Reintegration Support 

Different types of rehabilitation and reintegration support are available depending on a person's circumstances.  

The Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre provides residential mental health care and rehabilitation for people living with serious and persistent mental health conditions, with programmes focused on improving independence and supporting reintegration into families and communities. Admission is through a referral and assessment process; Poinciana does not accept emergency admissions. 

For people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, the Bridge Foundation provides structured sober-living support, while Beacon Farms creates employment opportunities in agriculture as part of the continuum of care for Caymanians in recovery. 

The Department of Community Rehabilitation provides a different form of support for adults involved in the criminal justice system. Its work includes community-based supervision and rehabilitative interventions aimed at reducing reoffending and supporting successful reintegration into the community.