The Alex Panton Foundation’s fifth annual Youth Mental Health Symposium, set for Saturday, 19 Feb., will focus on how people are dealing with the struggles and challenges of living through the pandemic.
The symposium audience numbers are restricted to 100 this year, due to COVID regulations on indoor crowd sizes, so the event is by invitation only for those attending in person, but will be streamed live via the foundation’s Facebook page.
This year’s theme is ‘Thriving in Uncertain Times’ – a topic organisers say will resonate “with many, following the challenges over the last few years, and aims to offer solutions to those still struggling in various ways due to the pandemic”.
The foundation said the symposium would offer a platform to connect young people and their families with the practitioners, researchers and policymakers committed to creating lasting change across the youth mental health sector.
Jane Panton, chairperson and co-founder of the Alex Panton Foundation, said in a statement, “We have all faced unprecedented challenges over the past year, and as a mental health organisation, we acknowledge the effects the pandemic has had on our youth. Community transmission of COVID-19 across our Islands has brought with it disruption to education and a return of social isolation.
“There are many struggling with the emotional barriers that are fostered by social isolation. Global, political, and social movements have exacerbated feelings of uncertainty. We must continue to work together to prepare the youth of the Cayman Islands by providing them and their families, teachers, mentors, and the wider community with resources to not only succeed but to thrive in these uncertain times.”
The schedule for the symposium, which runs 10am to 4pm, is as follows:
Welcome Remarks
Jane Panton, chairperson, Alex Panton Foundation
Governor Martyn Roper
Opening Address
Minister of Health and Wellness Sabrina Turner
Opening Address
Minister of Investment, Innovation and Social Development André Ebanks
Planning to Thrive in Uncertain Times
Dr. Shari Smith, clinical psychologist, Life Options
Sit with It: Accepting Life’s Punches and Building Resiliency
Sutton Burke, clinical director, Infinite Mindcare
Youth Voice: How We Maintain Hope in These Uncertain Times
Youth Ambassador Programme panel: Bill LaMonte, education coordinator; Jhadari Lumley, Youth Ambassador leader; and Youth Ambassadors Cristin Jackson (moderator), Isabella Do Valle, Soleil Parkinson, Lilly Haug, and D’hani Bodden
How Adults and Parents Can Support Young People at Times of Uncertainty
Deirdre Carmola, special education needs case manager, inclusion, Ministry of Education
Touching Tomorrow from Today: The Value of Mentoring
Pastor Christopher Murray, counsellor at John Gray High School and founder of Boyz2Men Cayman; Seaford Russell Jr, director, Boyz2Men; and Mark Phillips, student, Boyz2Men
Learning to Thrive
Three short presentations from a group of young adults, sharing their personal experiences:
Alanna Warwick-Smith, immediate past president, Rotaract Blue
Brittany Evans, law student, Truman Bodden Law School
Zaria Anthony, trainee pharmacy technician, Doctors Hospital
YES, WE CAN! Don’t Rule Us Out!
Clare Panyandee, PE teacher, Lighthouse School
Youth Voice: Inclusion4All
Monina Thompson, Youth Ambassador leader
The Unique Reflection
Mario Garraway, mental health worker and youth counsellor
LGBTQ+ Research Data Presentation
Cavelle Chai-Hong-Delfosse, clinical psychologist, Aspire Therapeutic Services
Presented by Jhadari Lumley, Youth Ambassador leader, and Isaias Pascual, Youth Ambassador
Closing Remarks
Hailee Robinson, deputy chairperson, Alex Panton Foundation
How to take part
Registration is not necessary to participate in this year’s online event. Visit the Alex Panton Foundation Facebook page to learn more about live-streaming on the day. Coverage will begin from 10am.
The foundation will facilitate an online exhibition area for participants to learn more about key services available and event sponsors. The virtual exhibitions will be available via the foundation’s website over the coming weeks.
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