Child mental health to be discussed at town halls
Findings from a study on the mental health of adolescents will be shared at a series of town hall meetings over the coming weeks.
The events are to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month during May and will include panel discussions with key voices from mental health service providers.
Daniel Cavanagh, a PhD student at the University of Melbourne, will share insights from the study conducted in partnership with Shawnee Basden, a Bermuda Hospitals Board clinical psychologist, the Department of Education and participating private schools.
A spokesman for the series said: “The study represents a collaboration that has engaged over 2,700 students aged between 10 and 19, providing a detailed look into the mental-health landscape of Bermuda's youth.
“Each event will be enriched by a panel discussion featuring Dr Sandy De Silva from the Family Centre, BHB consultant psychiatrist at Child and Adolescent Services, and Dr Peter Yates and Ms Azaria Smith from Solstice.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with presenters on the latest findings, which cover mental-health literacy, stigma and the barriers that stop adolescents from seeking help.
“This event is more than a presentation — it’s a call for an open and constructive community conversation to better understand and support our young people.”
• Saltus Grammar School, main hall, on May 7 from 5.30pm to 7pm
• CedarBridge Academy, Ruth Seaton James Auditorium, on May 27 from 5.30pm to 7pm
• Warwick Academy, Phoebe Purvis Memorial Hall, on June 4 from 5.30pm to 7pm
In addition to the town hall events, Warwick Academy will also host a private session for educators and school counselling teams at 4.30pm on May 6. All participating schools have confirmed that they will send representatives to attend.
The spokesman added: “Your participation is critical as we navigate these latest findings and pursue avenues for positive change.
“Together, we can make strides in understanding and meeting the mental-health needs of our adolescents.”
• For more information, e-mail Daniel Cavanagh cada@student.unimelb.edu.au
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