Shropshire Young People’s Health and Well-being Conference 2013 hailed a success

On Friday 8 March 2013 around 130 young people from across Shropshire came together at Shrewsbury Town FC’s ground to discuss their health issues and requirements with various service providers and their peers.

The event was aimed at college students from around the county, and was organised with the help of Shropshire’s young people’s champions.  Workshops were held covering topics such as: 

• Emotional and mental health – what are the symptoms
• Well-being in education
• Domestic abuse
• Sex, drugs and alcohol 

Dr Caron Morton, Accountable Officer at Shropshire CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group), began the event with an address to the group, explaining the importance of young people’s input in shaping the health service, followed by an inspiring talk from Olympic torchbearer Rachel Harvey. 

In addition to topical workshops, attendees were also given the chance to see a drama performance by Loudmouth Education, and training through theatre on bullying. 

Gina Cussack, Student Engagement Co-ordinator at Shrewsbury College, said:

“For young people, accessing health and well-being services is not about them being uneducated, it’s about them being made aware.  The purpose of the day was to hear their voice, so that health and well-being services can respond to their needs.” 

Young people’s champion Hayley Rider described the day as “a more fun and interesting way to learn about health and well-being rather than just sitting in a classroom.” 

For more information on this event, or general well-being in education, please contact Gina Cussack, Student Engagement Co-ordinator at Shrewsbury College on 01743 342342.