A holistic approach to young people’s psychosocial wellbeing
Chair
Nicola Ansell @Bruneluni - Senior Tutor, Department of Clinical Sciences, Brunel University
Speakers
Fiona Samuels @FionaAmalia - Senior Research Fellow, ODI
Ruth Evans @DrRuth_Evans - Associate Professor, University of Reading
Richard Boden @DFID_UK - Policy Advisor, Disability Team, DFID
Discussants
Lynette Mudekunye @REPSSI - Acting Chief Executive Officer, Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI), South Africa
Alison Penny @CBNtweets - Co-ordinator, UK Childhood Bereavement Network
Description
Despite increased awareness of young people’s mental health needs, interventions that target their psychosocial wellbeing remain largely medicalised. In reality, young people's wellbeing is often tied to that of their family, relationships with their peers and resource constraints within communities. By recognising and engaging the complex social dynamics that surround young people, the psychosocial approach to wellbeing can have significant positive impacts on their social lives, educational outcomes and future potential.
This event explores different approaches to young people's psychosocial wellbeing in the Global South, and shares good practice in advancing support for young people, families and communities. It coincides with Children’s Grief Awareness Week UK, raising awareness of bereaved children and young people, which provides an opportunity to explore learning from the Global North.