Youth mental health intervention training launched
Adults have been offered guidance on how to better respond to adolescent emotional troubles.
Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, told the House of Assembly the Youth Mental Health Training Programme was launched to help build a stronger community support system, particularly for teenagers.
She added: “Adolescence is a highly impressionable period characterised by emotional, social and neurological changes that can be challenging for a young person to navigate.
“When we recognise challenges early and come together to support our young people, we give them the tools to cope in healthy ways and help guide them towards a positive future.”
The three-day programme will start with two days of virtual or in-person skills-based workshops, closing with a half-day in-person session exploring adolescent brain development and ways of breaking down stigma, as well as how and where to refer young people for help.
Ms Wilson said attendees would learn how to early warning signs; offer immediate and age-appropriate support; create an environment where young people felt comfortable seeking help; and maintain personal wellbeing while supporting others.
Monthly training sessions will be scheduled throughout the year, with lunch provided.
Ms Wilson said the programme, while not mandatory, was open to anyone who “regularly” interacted with adolescents, from school staff to community volunteers.
Those who pass training evaluation will receive certification.
Ms Wilson said young people were best supported by the people they trusted most.
She added: “Strengthening the skills of these trusted adults builds a community safety net that provides wraparound support.”
She said supporting children’s mental health was “not just the role of clinicians”, but a “shared communal responsibility”.
Douglas De Couto, the Shadow Minister of Finance, asked Ms Wilson if professional mental health services had the capacity to meet the inevitable rise in referrals.
Ms Wilson said last year’s midterm budget awarded $2.29 million to the health ministry for mental health assistance, part of which would go to community groups.
She explained that groups that received this funding included Masc and the Family Centre.
Those who wish to register can do so by visiting the government website at www.gov.bm/youthmentalhealthtraining.
• See Related Media to read the full ministerial statement
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