Schools to join showcase of support for the mental health and well-being of young people

Young people’s mental health and well-being will come under the spotlight at a special event in Swansea next week.

My Voice Matters is a free event at the city’s Waterfront Museum to explain the role of Swansea Bay’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, or CAMHS.

Taking place on Friday 9th February during Children’s Mental Health Week, it will be attended by local schools, with families also invited to come along.

My Voice Matters will provide parents and professionals with an opportunity to gain an overview of the available services.

It will also offer children and young people the chance to experience activities provided by services through scheduled events.

It will be the first Children’s Mental Health Week event the health board has organised since CAMHS transferred to Swansea Bay from Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB last year.

Claire Norman, Swansea Bay UHB’s lead CAMHS nurse, said: “It’s well reported that the escalating pressure and demands on children and young people are taking a toll on their emotional and mental well-being.

“While CAMHS continues to deliver specialised support for those in need, it is crucial for us to collaborate with all services, whether statutory or voluntary.

“This ensures the needs of young people, and their parents or carers, are addressed by the right individuals at the right time.

“The return of CAMHS to Swansea Bay holds significant importance as it allows us to reconnect with partner agencies and establish a presence in the Swansea Bay community.

“The decision to organise this event is not only to celebrate our continued partnership but also to emphasise what truly matters – the well-being of the children and young people in the Swansea Bay area and how we can all work alongside them.”

Primary and secondary schools across the region have been invited to the event, which will be opened by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes.

It will also feature a selection of young people telling their stories after working with Platform, which supports people experiencing mental health challenges,

Dan Kristof, graduate trainee manager in the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities service, said: “The National Waterfront Museum will be transformed into a hub of support, awareness, and celebration of child and adolescent mental health.

“This event holds immense importance in promoting CAMHS within the health board and the community.

“For me, this isn't just about coordinating logistics. It's about recognising the dedication of the CAMHS team and the pivotal role they play in enhancing mental health for young people in living in our communities.

“It's a chance to showcase the incredible strides the service has made since its integration into Swansea Bay.

“In a world where mental health awareness is paramount, contributing to an event that puts CAMHS in the spotlight is not just professionally fulfilling. It's a personal investment in the well-being of our community's children and adolescents.”

The event includes a raffle to raise money for Swansea Bay Health Charity, the official charity of Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Money raised will be donated to the CAMHS Fund, used to enhance the experience of those using the service.

You can purchase raffle tickets online here: https://swanseabayhealthcharity.enthuse.com/CAMHS

Pictured inset: Children's Commissioner for Wales Rocio Cifuentes by Rasa Mombeini