Town Hall Meetings For Mental Health Month

Town Hall meetings are scheduled to mark Mental Health Awareness Month in May, focusing on adolescent mental health.

A spokesperson said, “Observing Mental Health Awareness Month this May, a series of town hall meetings will be held across Bermuda, focusing on the mental health of adolescents. These gatherings will serve as a platform for presenting the latest findings from a national study on the mental health of adolescents in Bermuda, featuring a panel discussion with key voices from mental health service providers in the community.

Time and location of Town Hall events:

• Saltus Grammar School [Main Hall] on May 7 – 5:30-7:00 PM.
• CedarBridge Academy [Ruth Seaton James Auditorium] on May 27 – 5:30-7:00 PM.
• Warwick Academy [Phoebe Purvis Memorial Hall] on June 4 – 5:30-7:00 PM.

“Mr. Daniel Cavanagh, Ph.D. student from the University of Melbourne will share insights from the extensive study conducted in partnership with Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB] clinical psychologist, Shawnee Basden PsyD , the Department of Education, and participating private schools. The study represents a collaboration that has engaged over 2,700 students aged between 10-19, 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, Dr. Peter Yates, and Ms. Azaria Smith from Solstice, who will bring their extensive expertise to the conversation.

“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 is a call for an open and constructive community conversation to better understand and support our young people.

“In addition to the Town Hall events, Warwick Academy will also be hosting a separate private session for educators and school counselling teams at 4:30pm on May 6. All participating schools have confirmed they will be sending representatives to attend.

“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.”

#Health

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