Posted on 13th Feb
Children and young people from across Nottinghamshire participated in two events in Newark during Children’s Mental Health Week in February.
They showcased local talent and encouraged young people to self-reflect and build resilience by knowing what helps their mental wellbeing.
The NottAlone Live events at the YMCA Community and Activity Village welcomed more than 700 local young people, who took part in workshops, watched performances by local artists, and connected with mental health and wellbeing service providers.
Year seven student Emily-Nile Kibuuka said: “Not only is our mental health important, but everyone’s mental health is important. Loads of kids can come together and have a voice here.”
The theme of the awareness week, know yourself, grow yourself, resonated with 15-year-old Romy Woodward, a singer songwriter who was among the local talents performing on stage over the two days.
“Everyone feels down at some point and it can be hard to open up about how you feel,” she said. “I write songs because I think it’s important to talk about mental health. I want young people to see that they can do whatever they want. It’s not one road you have to follow, you make your own road, and you follow that.”
Sam Oliver, safeguarding and welfare manager at Barnby Road Academy, whose choir performed on the primary schools’ event day, described NottAlone Live as a fabulous experience for their year five children, noting that pupils that attended went away with a sense of increased wellbeing.
NottAlone co-founders developed the NottAlone Live events to engage young people in conversations around mental health and provide opportunities to connect with local providers of mental health services.
Dr Maddi Popoola, NottAlone co-founder, educational psychologist and Mental Health Support Team service manager at Nottingham City Council, added: “I can’t believe we’ve just delivered our third NottAlone Live event. Seeing so many happy faces today and hearing young people talk about their mental health, their struggles, their coping mechanisms and share what makes them happy has been rewarding and inspiring.
“We’ve done loads of co-production this year, so we have learned from previous years to ensure what we are delivering is really engaging for young people. This event is for them, as a place for them to feel seen and heard.”
Dr Orlaith Green, NottAlone co-founder, principal educational psychologist and group manager, Psychology and Inclusion Services at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Lots of school staff have come again for the third year with different groups of children, which is just fantastic.
“I hope every young person that has been to one of our event days knows, you are not alone and the most powerful thing you can do if you’re having worries or really strong feelings that you don’t know how to manage is to talk to someone you trust about it. That can be a parent, friend, teacher or mental health professional.
“Whether it’s for you as an individual or if you need information for someone you care about, you can access help and support online, by text, in person, email, by phone on NottAlone.org.uk. There are people that will listen and can help you.”
NottAlone originated as a mental health support website for children and young people back in 2021. Its success led to the expansion of an all-age approach, with a new website that launched last October.
Find out more about NottAlone at https://nottalone.org.uk
