Participants at the second edition of an annual youth conference heard important messages to boost their mental health.

The Big Up Yaself national mini-youth conference was held on January 30 and 31 at the Botanical Gardens.

The event, which was hosted by the Office of Youth Affairs, attracted participation from about 250 students.

The first day catered for senior school pupils while primary and middle schoolchildren took part on the second day, creating an inclusive learning environment.

The participants attended interactive workshops which were focused on personal growth and mental wellness, in line with the Government’s National Youth Policy, a spokeswoman said.

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said: “The conference effectively delivered vital messages on mental health.

“Attendees enjoyed activities in their own ways and many shared that they learnt how to understand their feelings, find support and use coping strategies.”

She said the students enjoyed experiments and movement sessions and she thanked entertainers Mr Fotogenik and Ponaflex for participating in the event.

Ms Furbert said: “Their ability to connect with children, making them smile, laugh, learn, and most importantly, feel like they always belong, is truly remarkable and is delivered with a distinctive Bermudian flair.”

Ponaflex’s performance on the second day energised students with messages of self-confidence and resilience, the spokeswoman said.

His dynamic set and ability to engage the audience made a lasting impression, further reinforcing the event’s theme of empowerment, she added.

Plans are under way for next year’s conference.

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