This is the third annual event which coincides with World National Health Day (Thursday 10 October).
A Young Leader presents at the Big Conversation
Hosted by i-THRIVE and Kent County Council (KCC), in collaboration with NHS Kent and Medway, the event gives teenagers the opportunity and space to talk about mental health and wellbeing and the behaviours that contribute to it.
Young Leaders from the Kent Youth County Council (KYCC) are presenting and hosting sessions again this year as well as posting content on Kent Youth Voice socials for everyone to follow throughout the day.
The marketplace has been expanded to include more animals and time to explore what’s on offer. Accessibility measures have also been taken so children with additional needs can attend.
Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs at the event
As well as more workshop discussions, at the County Showground at Detling this year:
- There will be several Therapy Ponies from Tutsham Academy and Nelson Park Riding Centre as part of the mindfulness workshops.
- PAT (Pets As Therapy) dogs attending as part of the wellbeing walk workshop and the interactive marketplace.
- Interactive Marketplace will feature a mix of 32 organisations including NELFT, Porchlight, Salus, Rising Sun, MIND and Kent Police.
There are also training opportunities delivered by young people for teachers and practitioners attending around bullying and creating a safety plan about self-harm, both subjects they requested further training on.
“...the skills to manage their emotional wellbeing are so important to our young people”
Sue Chandler, KCC Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, said: “Awareness of mental health, the behaviours that affect it and the skills to manage their emotional wellbeing are so important to our young people.
“This wonderful event helps to break down stigma barriers and provides a safe and open forum where young people, and the organisations that support their mental health, come together and share their stories.
“I am so pleased that so many young people are attending again this year and am very much looking forward to meeting them and listening to their experiences and feedback.”
“Hearing directly from children and young people about their own concerns means we can improve the services we offer...”
Jane O’Rourke, the Interim Director of Children’s Services for NHS Kent and Medway, said: “The Big Mental Health Conversation is one of our most important and inspiring events of the year.
“Encouraging children and young people to check in with their emotional wellbeing and talking openly about mental health issues has never been more important.
“Hearing directly from children and young people about their own concerns means we can improve the services we offer by listening to their voices.”
- For more information about the mental health support available for young people, go to Children and young people: NHS Kent and Medway.
- Find out more about i-THRIVE, mental health support for young carers and the general importance of good mental health for children and young people on kent.gov.
- Learn about Kent Youth County Council (KYCC) elections, which are now open, and the key issues KYCC members work to support, including mental health and wellbeing.
Kent County Council is also currently seeking views on proposed changes to the council’s emotional wellbeing support for children and young people aged 4 to 19 with mild to medium emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.
The proposal is to fund a new Therapeutic Support Service rather than the current Kent Children and Young People’s Counselling Service.
To find out more and take part in the consultation visit: Children and Young People's Emotional Wellbeing Support | Let’s talk Kent
