The Alex Panton Foundation has released the agenda for its upcoming ninth annual Youth Mental Health Symposium in the Cayman Islands.
The event, which is free and open to all, will take place on 21 February at Hotel Indigo, Grand Cayman from 9am to 4:35pm.
This year’s theme is ‘Lighting the way: Turning hope into action’, with the talks aimed at giving adults the understanding, confidence and practical tools needed to better support young people navigating mental health challenges.
According to the mental health charity, it’s hoped the symposium will move beyond awareness to focus on action.
There are 18 confirmed speakers for the event, with 10 talks and panel discussions planned.
The first of the day is titled, ‘When the court is not enough: Understanding the limits of the law in protecting children at risk’ and will be presented by Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale.
Other talks include, ‘The role of acceptance in supporting young people’ by Dr Jennifer Robertson, senior counselling psychologist at Aspire Therapeutic Services, and ‘Rewiring hope: The neuroscience of stress, anxiety, and resilience in Cayman’s youth’, by Dr Ryan Punambolam, consultant neurologist at Doctors Hospital.
Before the expert talks kick off, both the health minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks and Governor Jane Owen will provide opening remarks.
Emily Kelly, executive director at the Alex Panton Foundation, told Cayman Independent: “We are proud to welcome 18 speakers who will share practical, evidence-informed tools to support young people navigating mental health difficulties.
“With numerous community mental health partners participating as exhibitors, the symposium offers a unique opportunity to learn from local experts and connect with mental health resources across the Cayman Islands.”
The full agenda can be found here. Although it’s free to attend, participants must register before-hand here.
The Alex Panton Foundation was set up in the memory of Alex Panton, who struggled with severe depression and took his own life at the age of 16.
The charity aims to raise awareness about mental illnesses affecting children and young adults in the Cayman Islands, with a particular focus on anxiety and depression.
