The format started with activities to get young people thinking about the topic including active ice breakers, passionate speeches by young people on the topic, a human knot, quizzes and discussion time.
This led to the main section where young people worked together in groups to propose pressing questions they would like answered by key decision makers like MPs and councillors. They “pitched” their questions and it went to a vote.
The winning three questions this time were:
- How do you measure the effectiveness of the mental health services in schools e.g. how effective is CAMHS?
- How can you make mental health services in schools more accessible for students in schools?
- How do we reduce mental health stigma in schools?
If you are a young person, what would you have chosen? Join our Next Youth Board to get your voice heard.
We will be feeding back on the responses given soon.
Comments from the young people included:
“It felt like we were making a genuine impact.”
“It was fun and relaxed with exciting interactive activities.”
“I loved the interactive activities.”
“Was very organised and time was well kept. Very nice to hear updates about the previous youth board too”
“It was interactive and fun for everyone to get involved.”
“I liked how interactive the event was whilst still allowing us to input our ideas successfully”
“I enjoyed being able to interact with the other young people during the ice-breaker, and bring together our ideas when working on the questions.”
“I liked listening to the young speakers and hearing other young people's opinions on the matter at hand.”
If you would like to join one in the future, please email NatashaBlok@vcsutton.org.uk Ccing in SouviDas@vcsutton.org.uk
