The children and young people’s programme is a three-year pilot delivered in two 18-month periods.  The first half, which ran in the West Midlands, has just come to an end (September 2013).  Using the learning and experience gained, the second half will be rolled out in the South East, with a focus on Kent & Medway.  To mark the launch of this second pilot site, the children and young people’s team welcomed professionals and volunteers to The Kia Oval, London on 5th November 2013.

The event was planned and facilitated by our Time to Change young leaders.     We took the opportunity to launch our interim evaluation results (www.time-to-change.org.uk/research-reports-publications) and our new online interactive story, as well as share our plans for partnership working in the South East.

On the day, delegates heard from: 

Sue Baker – Director of Time to Change who outlined key elements of the Time to Change Children and Young People’s programme and referenced our key evaluation results to date.  

Liz Mcavan, Children and Young People Wellbeing Manager, Kent Community Health NHS Trust spoke about Kent’s Enhanced Healthy Schools programme and their commitment to working in partnership with the Time to Change campaign.  

Rachel Walsh – Wellbeing Worker Nuneaton Academy spoke about the campaign that was run in her school as well as the ongoing commitment from staff and students in her school to challenging stigma and discrimination around mental health.

The keynote address was made by Emma Salt, a young person who shared her experience of living with mental health problems, and the impact that stigma and discrimination has had on her recovery. 

The event was rounded off by delegates attending our education programme aimed at professionals and volunteers who work with young people and families.

If you are an organisation or individual working with young people aged 14 to 25 and would like to get involved, please contact Leroy McConnell or Venetia Boon for more details ([email protected] / [email protected])