The first official meeting of a youth-led body charged with helping to design a mental health plan for Bermuda featured an intensive advocacy and leadership training session.

The Youth Advisory Board, formed under Bermuda’s Youth Mental Health Plan, which was shaped by insights from the 2022 National Adolescent Mental Health Survey, brings together 23 students from across the island.

The board plans to have every senior school sign a mental health pledge before the Youth Mental Health Summit takes place at the college this month.

Its opening meeting was attended by national leaders including David Sam, the president of Bermuda College, and Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, who underscored the importance of youth leadership in shaping Bermuda’s mental health future.

Tim Spicer, a senior facilitator with Peer Forward, who has international expertise in youth activation, led the training session. He encouraged members to reflect on their personal values as leaders before mapping out the board’s priorities for the year.

Vakita Basden, the Mental Health Anti Stigma chairwoman for the Department of Health, said: “Young people have powerful voices and lived experiences that deserve to be heard, especially when it comes to mental 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.”

The three core goals from the 2022 survey cover policy advocacy, school health promotion committee implementation and social media campaigns.

Dr Sam said the Bermuda College was proud to support the board at the start of its 2025-2026 term on September 27.

He said: “These young leaders remind us that mental health advocacy begins with courage, compassion and collaboration. By centring youth voices, we’re investing in a healthier, more empowered Bermuda.”

Jason Hayward, the Acting Minister of Health, added: “I am inspired by the commitment of the Youth Advisory Board and the passion our young people are bringing to this important work.

“The Youth Mental Health Plan is not just about improving services, it’s about empowering youth to be part of the solution. Their leadership will be instrumental in reducing stigma, promoting awareness and creating environments where their peers feel seen, heard and supported.”

This month, the board’s members will work with school counsellors 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, scheduled to take place on October 16 and 17 at the Bermuda College.

The summit will bring S1 and S2 students together at Bermuda College for two days of discussions, hands-on activities, international speakers and a self-care fair.

The summit will launch with a town hall meeting titled Self-Harm and Violence on Social Media at 6pm on October 15 in G301 at the college. Members from the board will be opening the event and sharing creative outputs from their next training session scheduled for October 11.

Christopher Jackson, the chairman of the board, said: “This year is about moving from conversation to action. After eight 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 board is proof that youth voices aren’t just the future of mental health advocacy, but the driving force right now.”

Charles Fox, a board member from Bermuda Institute, added: “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.”

The board also acknowledged its collaboration with the Mirrors Programme’s Cohort 20 Positivity Project, a grass roots programme empowering young people to promote mental health awareness at The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy.

Several board members are part of the Mirrors cohort, building youth leaders who will champion School Health Promotion Committees in their schools.