Parents and carers across the Island are being invited to take part in a conference later this month which aims to promote the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people.
 
‘Raising Kids, Raising Resilience’ is a free event organised by the Department of Health and Social Care’s Mental Health Service, with support from the Educational Psychology Service and Youth Service within the Department of Education and Children.
 
There will be talks and a choice of workshops delivered by a variety of experienced health and education professionals, along with information on ways that parents and carers can support children and young people’s emotional health.
 
“Demonstrating the commitment by Government to protect the vulnerable, I thank the Mental Health Service for organising this conference”, said the Member for the Mental Health Service, Michael Coleman MLC.
 
He continued: “The conference is all about offering practical support and advice to parents and carers, as well as raising awareness about the range of support available to both children and those who care for them.  I would encourage anyone who wants to learn more to register to come along to what promises to be a very interesting event.”
 
The conference takes place at Keyll Darree on the Noble’s Hospital Estate on Saturday 27 September between 10am and 4pm.  Anyone who is interested can book a place at www.gov.im/emotional-health using the online form, or can telephone 642836.
 
Emma McClean, Manager of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service said: “Resilience plays a crucial role in minimising the effects of negative events in young people’s lives, helping them to develop the ability to cope with adversity. Children and young people who are emotionally healthy achieve more, participate more fully in education and the community, engage less in risky behaviours, cope better if things go wrong and to grow into healthier adults.”