Raleigh Launches Brave Conversations Series
Raleigh International Bermuda is launching Brave Conversations, a new community initiative designed to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to guide their young people through some of today’s most challenging issues.
A spokesperson said, “The series will create open dialogue around topics affecting young people including substance use, mental health, peer pressure, and other risk factors. By helping parents better understand the pressures their young people face, Raleigh aims to strengthen families and support wider efforts to prevent youth involvement in gang violence and other harmful behaviours.
“The first session, Navigating Teen Substance Use for Parents, will take place on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, with the central location shared upon registration.
“The session will be led by Bermudian clinical professionals Camily Lovell of Pathways Bermuda and Dayla Burgess, founder of TeleConnect, both of whom work directly with individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
“Parents attending the session will learn about current substance use trends among teens, warning signs to watch for, and practical ways to begin open and supportive conversations with their young people. The discussion will also explore how childhood trauma and life stressors can influence substance use during adolescence.
“Denae D. Burchall, Executive Director of Raleigh International Bermuda, said the Brave Conversations Series reflects Raleigh’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem around young people.”
“At Raleigh, we know that building confident and resilient young people does not happen in isolation,” said Burchall. “It requires strong families, informed communities, and spaces where honest conversations can take place. Brave Conversations gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to better understand the pressures facing young people today and feel more confident guiding them through it.”
A spokesperson added, “She added that the initiative reflects the importance of collaboration among Bermuda’s service providers.”
“We are grateful to Pathways Bermuda and TeleConnect for partnering with us to make these sessions available at no cost to participants,” said Burchall. “With Camily Lovell of Pathways Bermuda and Dayla Burgess of TeleConnect guiding these conversations, parents will hear directly from professionals working with young people every day. When organizations collaborate in this way, we strengthen the ecosystem around young people and help guide them toward pathways free from antisocial behaviours and gang violence.”
A spokesperson added, “Adults with young people in their care ages 14 and over are encouraged to attend.
“To register, please email Info@raleigh.bm or visit the registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/QUEPAjBMsA.”
Speaker Bios
Camily Lovell, MS, ICADC
“Camily Lovell is a Bermudian addictions counsellor and doctoral student with a focus on trauma informed care. Her work centers on supporting individuals and families as they navigate the complexities of substance use, mental health, and life’s major stressors.
“Camily is deeply passionate about community education and believes that open and informed conversations about drugs, addiction, and mental health are essential to prevention and healing. Through her work, she aims to empower parents and communities with knowledge, compassion, and practical awareness. She is particularly committed to promoting wellness and safety in relationships and encouraging families to build environments where young people feel supported, informed, and resilient.
Dayla Burgess, MSW, ICADC
“Dayla Burgess is a Bermudian clinical mental health counselor with a strong commitment to mental health advocacy and accessible care. She is the founder of TeleConnect, an innovative mental health platform providing teletherapy services tailored for adults.
“As a licensed allied health professional with the Bermuda Health Council and the Bermuda Addiction Counselors Board, Dayla brings extensive experience in individual therapy, group counseling, and organizational wellness.”
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