AN ORGANISATION that promotes young people’s mental health and wellbeing is hosting a conference for anyone working with children and teenagers.
The Youth In Mind Berkshire is holding an event for people working in the education sector, voluntary organisations, statutory bodies, and individuals in West Berkshire and beyond.
The charity has placed young people at the heart of their conference planning and delivery, inviting youngsters to identify subjects to be covered, and to discuss with this year’s conference speakers the mental health challenges they face, and the support they feel young people need.
Speakers at the event include Dr Luke Beardon, autism expert and author of multiple books, and Dr Dimitri Gavriloff specialist in behavioural sleep medicine.
The findings of a study completed by 43,000 young people in schools across the country will also be shared by Professor Mina Fazel.
And Sarah Emery, CEO of Berkshire Youth will share conclusions drawn from their 2023 survey of young people across the county.
A Mental Health Foundation report states that 50% of all adult health problems begin in childhood, 75% of them by age 24.
And according to BBC Children In Need, most adults supporting children and young people believe that mental health is the biggest challenge facing them today, and that the problem will only get worse.
Jess Willsher, CEO of Oxfordshire Mind said: “Post pandemic and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, an increasing number of children and young people are having to cope with mental health challenges.
“At a time when it’s more important than ever to understand mental health and wellbeing support from a young person’s perspective, we’re delighted to be hosting our second Youth in Mind Berkshire conference.
“It’s an opportunity for all of us who work with children and young people to come together, learn from experts and each other, and find ways of working creatively together to provide the best support we can.”
Workshops at the conference will be delivered by a variety of organisations, including: Citizens Advice, Samaritans, Soulscape, Safe and Sport in Mind, and Brighter Futures for Children.
The event takes place on Tuesday, June 27 at the University of Reading’s, Palmer Building.
For information about Youth in Mind Berkshire, visit: www.oxfordshiremind.org.uk
