On Thursday July 6 we hosted our first Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Conference. Headlined ‘Enhancing Emotionally Healthy Environments’, it took place at Chelmsford City Racecourse. We invited employees from schools and education settings in Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
The conference gave attendees the opportunity to reflect on good practice. It also offered them the chance to learn practical strategies that could support their young people.
The conference included talks from Professor Lord Richard Layard, Doctor Pooky Knightsmith and Nerys Hughes, recognised experts in the field. They shared evidence-base research, psychoeducation and practical tools to inspire attendees.
Two experimental sessions also took place. Led by NOW’s the time for change and Active Essex, these provided practical strategies to support young people to manage their emotions. Attendees will share these strategies with their pupils and colleagues when they return to their setting.
Services were also present to showcase their emotional wellbeing and mental health offer. Several schools showcased how they are enhancing emotionally healthy environments in their setting.
Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said:
The pressures of school and home life can have a significant impact on the wellbeing and mental health of young people, and we must not forget they are also dealing with the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up as well. We recognise that our emotional wellbeing and mental health are as important as our physical health, and its vital young people have access to the support they need.
It was fantastic to host our first ever Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Conference at Chelmsford City Racecourse last week. The event brought together practitioners from across Essex, as well as nationally renowned experts, to discuss best practice, strategies and ideas which will help shape and improve provision across Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
We want to support all the young people in schools across Essex to not only maximise their educational potential, but to become aware of and comfortable discussing their wellbeing. Our schools are nurturing environments which value their place in the community, and we will continue to work with them to ensure the emotional wellbeing and mental health of our young people is supported.
Find out more about the support available to young people in Essex.