Talk series aims to help protect children from poor choices
A community programme has been launched to help steer children away from risky behaviours such as drug use.
Raleigh International Bermuda said its Brave Conversations scheme was designed to equip parents with the knowledge and confidence to guide young people through challenging issues.
The series will create dialogue around various topics that affect young people including substance use, mental health, peer pressure and other risk factors.
It will begin with “Navigating Teen Substance Use for Parents” on Saturday from 10am to 12:30pm, with the central location shared upon registration.
The session will be led by Bermudian clinical professionals Camily Lovell, of Pathways Bermuda, and Dayla Burgess, the founder of TeleConnect.
Both speakers work directly with individuals and families navigating mental health and substance-use challenges.
Participants will learn about substance-use trends among teens, warning signs to watch for and practical ways to engage in conversations with their children.
The discussion will also explore how childhood trauma and life stressors can influence substance use during adolescence.
Denae Burchall, the executive director of Raleigh International Bermuda, said the Brave Conversations series reflects Raleigh’s commitment to young people.
“At Raleigh, we know that building confident and resilient young people does not happen in isolation,” she noted.
“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.”
She said the programme 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,” Ms Burchall added.
“Parents will hear directly from professionals working with young people every day.
“When organisations collaborate in this way, we strengthen the ecosystem around young people and help guide them towards pathways free from antisocial behaviours and gang violence.”
Adults with young people in their care aged 14 and over were encouraged to attend.
To register, e-mail Info@raleigh.bm or visit the registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/QUEPAjBMsA
Camily Lovell is a Bermudian addictions counsellor and doctoral student with a focus on trauma-informed care.
Her work centres on supporting individuals and families as they navigate the complexities of substance use, mental health and life’s major stressors.
She is 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 is a Bermudian clinical mental health counsellor with a strong commitment to mental health advocacy and accessible care.
She is the founder of TeleConnect, a mental health platform providing teletherapy services tailored for adults.
As a licensed allied health professional with the Bermuda Health Council and the Bermuda Addiction Counsellors Board, Ms Burgess brings experience in individual therapy, group counselling and organisational wellness.
• Information provided by Raleigh International Bermuda
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