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SACMHF Attend DFE Link Programme Event
Earlier this month, Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation’s (SACMHF) Youth team, the Business Development Manager and the Wellbeing Recovery Worker attended the DFE Link Programme Event, which was facilitated by Sandwell Metropolitan Council, held at West Bromwich Town Hall.
The focus of the event was to improve and raise awareness of services within the region delivering emotional wellbeing and mental health interventions. It was also an opportunity to network across Sandwell with educational and mental health specialists delivering presentations and seminars with young people at the forefront of their agenda. The topics and strategies explored were informative yet educational, in providing support for young people who are most at risk in suffering with mental health and wellbeing.
This was a great opportunity for SACMHF to showcase their services in particular their Youth Service, The iMATTER Project which is established to offer culturally responsive support for young people from aged 11-25 years old. Key organisations which also attended the event included Kaleidoscope – who provide counselling services and mental health support, Kooth – a telephone support service for young people, and a range of other support services, from drug and alcohol awareness to mother and baby support groups.
Rebecca Gardner, SACMHF Youth Service Coordinator said: “It was a beneficial day for everyone at the event. When speaking to other professionals it allowed SACMHF to educate and inform them of who we are as an organisation and in particular raise awareness of our Youth Service and how this could potentially benefit some of the young people they work with. It also allowed open discussion around children in their care that may be facing issues surrounding race or feeling different for whatever reason. We promoted our culturally responsive ethos, providing a service that children and young people can relate to. The responses received from many professionals was positive who also expressed difficulties in finding local services that can engage young people to support them through social struggles in society. Overall, it was a great day, and we look forward to the next event.”
