Debating Mental Health is a programme for young people who have had mental health support of any kind, or who identify as having mental health needs of any kind.
Through our programme and training young people learn debate skills through games, activities and discussion, so that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to speak out about the big mental health topics.
The first round of programme training ran from November 2016-April 2017, during which time we supported over 60 young people at seven different locations across London. In April 2017, once all of our young people had participated in the same programme of training, they came together at Facebook’s UK headquarters to take part in a pan-London mental health debate. This was an opportunity for young people to tell us what they really think on a number of big mental health topics (including social media, education and stigma) and to engage with mental health decision-makers and hold them to account.
We received a ‘Highly Commended’ award for this work at the National Children and Young People’s Mental Health Awards in Manchester in January 2018.
The 2016-2017 alumni are available to speak on panels, at conferences and other events.
We are currently working on plans for the future of the programme and would like to extend our reach to include other areas of the country. If you have an idea and would like to get involved, please get in touch and we can chat about these ideas.
Debating Mental Health 