Students Lead Youth Mental Health Movement
The Youth Advisory Board, formed under Bermuda’s Youth Mental Health Plan, has officially launched with 23 students from nine schools to lead youth-driven mental health advocacy across the island.
A spokesperson said, “The Youth Advisory Board [YAB], formed under Bermuda’s Youth Mental Health Plan [YMHP], officially kicked off its 2025/26 term on Saturday, September 27, at Bermuda College. This diverse youth-led body brings together 23 students from nine public and private senior schools across the island, united in their role as advocates and leaders for youth mental health.
“The YAB was established to ensure the voices of young people are central to the design and implementation of Bermuda’s evidence-based Youth Mental Health Plan, which was shaped by insights from the 2022 National Adolescent Mental Health Survey.
The three core goals from the survey are:
- “Policy Advocacy – advocating for reducing legislative and policy barriers that prevent young people from accessing mental health care.
- “School Health Promotion Committee [SHPC] Implementation – supporting schools by assisting with building student-led clubs that promote mental health awareness.
- “Social Media Campaigns and Awareness – leading youth-driven content to reduce stigma and promote wellbeing.
“The Board’s first official meeting featured an intensive advocacy and leadership training session led by Tim Spicer, a senior facilitator with Peer Forward, who has international expertise in youth activation. The training encouraged members to reflect on their personal values as leaders before mapping out the YAB’s priorities for the year.”
“Young people have powerful voices and lived experiences that deserve to be heard — especially when it comes to mental health,” said Vakita Basden, the Mental Health Anti Stigma Chair for the Department of Health.
“By creating space for youth leadership and honest conversations, we’re not just challenging stigma — we’re building a culture of understanding, compassion, and courage. This advisory board is a reminder that every young person’s story matters and can inspire real change.”
A spokesperson added, “The YAB also acknowledged its collaboration with the Mirrors Programme’s Cohort 20 Positivity Project, a grassroots programme empowering young people to promote mental health awareness at both The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy. Several YAB members are part of this Mirrors cohort, strengthening the network of youth leaders ready to champion School Health Promotion Committees [SHPCs] in their own schools.
“The opening meeting was attended by national leaders, including Dr. David Sam, President of Bermuda College, and Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, Minister of Health. They both underscored the importance of youth leadership in shaping Bermuda’s mental health future.”
Dr. David Sam, President of Bermuda College, stated: “Bermuda College is proud to support the Youth Advisory Board and host the launch of their 2025/26 term. These young leaders remind us that mental health advocacy begins with courage, compassion, and collaboration. By centering youth voices, we’re investing in a healthier, more empowered Bermuda.”
YAB members themselves reflected on their excitement for the year ahead.
Christopher Jackson, Chair of the Youth Advisory Board, said: “This year is about moving from conversation to action. After 8 months of intense planning, I am excited to see this official board not only come to life, but that its manifestation is guided by tangible outcomes. The YAB is proof that youth voices aren’t just the future of mental health advocacy, but the driving force right now.”
Arhyiah Tatem, YAB Member from The Berkeley Institute, added: “This term will be filled with insight and inspiration. I’m excited to see young people building their own advocacy and proud to play a part in creating lasting, positive change.”
Charles Fox, YAB Member from Bermuda Institute, reflected: “When youth lead the conversation on mental health, we move beyond awareness into real action. Our voices are essential to building systems that truly support young minds.”
A spokesperson added, “Throughout October, YAB members will be working with their school counselors and administrators to encourage leadership and faculty members from all senior schools to sign the Youth Mental Health Pledge, a national commitment preparing schools to be “survey ready” for the 2027 Adolescent Mental Health Survey.
“The goal is for every senior school to sign the pledge before the Youth Mental Health Summit, taking place October 16–17, 2025, at Bermuda College. The Summit will bring S1 and S2 students together at Bermuda College for two days of real talk, hands-on activities, international speakers, and a self-care fair. It represents Bermuda’s largest youth-led mental health gathering, aimed at breaking silence, dismantling stigma, and inspiring a new generation of mental health advocates.
“The summit will kickstart with a Youth Mental Health Town Hall on Self-Harm and Violence on Social Media at 6pm on October 15, 2025, in G301 at Bermuda College. Members from the YAB will be opening this event and sharing creative outputs from their next training session scheduled for October 11.
“In short, the launch of the YAB’s 2025/26 term marks not only the start of a new year of projects but the continuation of a growing national movement. With young people at the helm, supported by schools, grassroots programs, and national leaders, Bermuda is building a future where every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to speak openly about mental health. The work ahead is ambitious, but together, the Youth Advisory Board and its partners are committed to making meaningful change, with young voices leading every step of the way.”
