A SPECIAL event aimed at supporting young people in improving their health and wellbeing has been hailed a success by Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh.Hundreds of young people from schools across the City and District gathered at the Foyle Arena, where they learned more about Dealing with Stress and Building Resilience by taking part in a series of activities organised by the Civic Forum for the council area.
The Forum is led by the Mayor, and brings together a range of local agencies responsible for dealing with issues relating to Alcohol, Drugs, Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing, Suicide Prevention and Homelessness.
It’s just the latest in a number of Mayoral Initiatives aimed at raising awareness about mental health and overcoming the challenges faced by young people across Derry and Strabane.
Speaking after the event Mayor McHugh said he was encouraged to see so many local young people engaging in the sessions.
“I was delighted to host this event which will hopefully be helpful to all those who participated.
“I was really encouraged by the response from our schools who are working hard to address these concerns and support young people facing the challenges of school, peer pressure, and online activity.”
Head of Health and Community Wellbeing with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Seamus Donaghy, said: “The Civic Forum brings together a range of bodies including Council, Western Health & Social Care Trust, Public Health Agency, PSNI, Housing Executive, Education Authority, Derry and Strabane Healthy Cities, Council for the Homeless NI and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership with the shared objective of improving the health and wellbeing of local people.
“Events such as this one provide a fun and engaging way of approaching some very serious issues, and encourage discussion and debate among young people, as well as providing information on where they can access advice.”
Events on the day centred round enhancing young people’s ability to manage stress and build resilience with interactive workshops relating to the Five Steps to Wellbeing.
The following link provides further information on the Five Steps http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/take-5-steps-wellbeing-english-and-11-translations
For more information about the work of the Derry City and Strabane District Civic Forum you can email [email protected] or telephone the Council’s Health & Housing Team on (028) 71253253.
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