An event to encourage young people to talk about mental health is being arranged for the city.
Talking FreELY and Ely College are joining forces to stage an event by students, for students with the aim of encouraging them to talk openly.
The mental health of children and young adults has been increasingly in the news in recent months, with organisations such as Young Minds campaigning for the government to place more emphasis on preventative measures and to give young people a voice when it comes to their own mental health.
Anthony Sigrist, chief executive of Talking FreELY, said: “Incidence of mental illness amongst young people is increasing more rapidly than within any other age group yet it is often overlooked.
“Projects like ours are essential in supporting our young people and making a lasting impact on how society perceives and tackles mental illness, now, and in the future.’
Richard Spencer, college principal, said: “Talking openly about mental health is critical to identifying issues and targeting support.
“We are so pleased to be working with Talking FreELY, and are honoured to welcome Natasha Devon as we celebrate another positive pledges and futures day centred on personal well-being.
“We hope that this event will bring together Ely people to share perspectives, experiences and solutions.”
The pop-up cafe is being run by Bishop Laney Sixth Form students, as they invite younger students and other local schools to join in the discussion.
• The free event is on January 22. From 4pm to 6pm at Ely College. The event is open to the general public with a pop-up cafe and a discussion hosted by renowned mental health writer, campaigner and pundit Natasha Devon MBE.
• Natasha tours schools and colleges throughout the UK, delivering talks as well as conducting research on mental health, body image, gender and social equality. In 2016 she was named one of the 500 most influential people in Britain by The Times and Debretts and was awarded an MBE for services to young people in 2015.
• The event is for teens and their parents and anybody else interested. Local mental health and wellbeing organisations will be attending to share information about their projects.
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