Young Healthy Minds Forum

Introduction:

At the heart of every thriving community lies the well-being of its youth. Recognizing this, the Young Healthy Minds Forum, a transformative event aimed at nurturing the mental health of young individuals, took place on Wednesday 8th May 2024. The overwhelming success of this gathering served as a powerful testament to the importance of addressing mental well-being among the youth. With enthusiastic participation from students, invaluable support from esteemed organizations, and the invaluable guidance of Burn Bright, the event proved to be an inspiring platform for growth and empowerment.

Empowering Young Minds:

The Young Healthy Minds Forum brought together 120 students from eight different schools, (Australian International Academy, Castle Hill High, Galston High, Riverstone High, Santa Sophia Catholic College, St John XXIII Catholic College, Hills Grammar, Wollemi College) creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie. These bright young minds engaged in a range of insightful discussions and interactive activities designed to promote mental well-being, resilience, and self-empowerment. Through workshops, group exercises, and presentations, participants gained valuable insights into managing stress, building healthy relationships, and developing a positive mindset.

Collaborative Support:

A key factor in the success of the Young Healthy Minds Forum was the remarkable support it received from various organizations. The Dural Sports Centre graciously hosted the event, providing a welcoming and conducive environment for the attendees. 

Supporters were Castle Hill Rotary (CHR), Kellyville Hospital (KH), the Hills Shire Council (THSC) and the Australian International Academy (AIA).  CHR provided much of the funding as this forum was free to the schools and students; KH and THSC provided showbags and items to put in them and AIA did the catering.

Guidance and Inspiration:

The facilitation of the forum was expertly handled by Burn Bright, a renowned organization dedicated to empowering youth through personal development programs. With their expertise and passion for nurturing young minds, Burn Bright ensured that the Young Healthy Minds Forum was a transformative experience for all participants. Through engaging presentations and dynamic activities, Burn Bright inspired the attendees to embrace their potential, develop resilience, and make positive choices for their mental well-being.

The lived experience speaker was Tonique Newbold who shared her mental health journey with us.

There was a Q&A panel comprising Dr Tanveer Ahmed (psychiatrist from Kellyville Hospital), Peter Casbolt (psychologist from Kellyville Hospital) and Anoushka Houseman (Head of Wellbeing from Santa Sophia Catholic College).

We also had exhibitors that showcased what they offered to the students to improve mental health – Castle Hill Rotary, Western Sydney Health Adolescent Team, Community Migrant Resource Centre and Youth Safe.

Looking Ahead:

The resounding success of the Young Healthy Minds Forum has paved the way for future events that will continue to uplift and empower young individuals. Mark your calendars for May 2025, when the next forum will take place, promising an even more enriching experience. As we move forward, it is our collective responsibility to foster an environment where mental health is prioritized, enabling the youth to flourish and contribute positively to society.

Conclusion:

The Young Healthy Minds Forum 2024 was an outstanding success, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of all who attended. With the support of the Castle Hill Rotary (CHR), Kellyville Hospital (KH), the Hills Shire Council (THSC), the Australian International Academy (AIA), and the guidance of Burn Bright, this event created a platform for young minds to explore their potential, develop resilience, and prioritize their mental well-being. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming forum in 2025, let us continue to foster a community that values and supports the mental health of our youth, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

If you would like your school to be involved with The Young Healthy Minds Forum, please get in touch.