Residents were invited to attend a mental health forum at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning tomorrow.

The free event, from 6pm to 7.30pm, is part of Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month and will focus on the intersection of learning differences, neurodiversity and adolescent mental health.

It will feature a keynote presentation, a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session to offer parents, teachers, mental health professionals and community members a chance to engage on critical issues.

Presenters include Daniel Cavanagh, a chief researcher at the Bermuda College, Lizzy McManus, a psychologist at Solstice Bermuda, and Jah-nai Smith, an educational therapist at CedarBridge Academy.

Cindy Corday, the principal of BCCL, said: “The connection between learning differences and mental health is too important to ignore.

“At BCCL, we see first-hand how early, informed support can change a student’s entire educational journey — and their emotional wellbeing.

“We are committed to opening this dialogue across our island community.”

The event will explore insights from Bermuda’s first National Adolescent Mental Health Study, and share the story of a young individual with lived experience of mental illness, and navigating learning differences such as ADHD.

Dr Cavanagh said a key finding from the mental health study, which was conducted last year, was that young people often struggle in silence.

He said: “By bringing neurodiversity and mental health into one conversation, we’re helping families and professionals better recognise what support can and should look like.”

Jane Vickers, BCCL’s director of advancement and communications, said the school’s mission had always been about empowering learners.

She added: “But true empowerment starts with understanding.

“This town hall is a way to connect families, educators and advocates so that we can move from awareness to real action for young people who learn differently.”

• To register or learn more, visitbccl.bm