A new Wellbeing Forum for young people in Tower Hamlets is launching this July. It’s aim, to help normalise and celebrate conversations about mental wellbeing.

Young people aged 11-19 are invited to come along to the first Wellbeing Forum, which is taking place on Thursday 14 July between 4-7pm. It will be held at Spotlight youth centre on Hay Currie Street, Poplar.

The event is set to offer inspirational speeches and panel discussions with leading figures from across the sector. As well as the chance to take part in interactive workshops designed by young campaigners.

Run by Spotlight and the Tower Hamlets Education Wellbeing Service (THEWS), this is the first event of its kind in the borough.

With the help of the NHS, schools, politicians, and mental health organisations, Spotlight and THEWS hope the Forum will help to de-stigmatise mental health amongst young people.

Abi Kenyon from Spotlight said: “We’d love to see lots of local young people at our first Wellbeing Forum. As well as being a fun and interactive day, it will provide a fantastic opportunity for them to create change and influence key decision-makers working in wellbeing and health care in Tower Hamlets.”

Young people attending the event will get to enjoy free food and refreshments, as well as a goodie bag to take home.

Teachers, policy makers, and staff from youth-focused organisations are also invited to attend the Forum. This is to gain more insight into young people’s views on mental health and wellbeing.

In support of the upcoming event, the young mayor of Tower Hamlets, Tahmid Hussen, said: “Mental health is half of the foundation to success”. The youth cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Intisar Al-Alam, said: “We can’t have a future without prioritising our wellbeing”.

To book a place for you or a young person, please visit wearespotlight.com/mentalhealth