A 12‑hour summit on youth mental health took place yesterday at the Hamilton City Hall, drawing more than 200 young people, parents, mental‑health professionals and local government officials. The event, organised by the Bermuda Youth Council in partnership with the Department of Health and the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation, was held after the cancellation of last year’s regional conference due to the pandemic.

Speakers included Dr. Elise Thompson of the Bermuda Institute of Mental Health, who presented on stress‑management strategies, and local entrepreneur Maya Roberts, who shared her experience of overcoming anxiety while launching a tech‑startup. Participants engaged in breakout sessions that focused on coping skills, digital‑wellbeing, and community support networks. A panel discussion highlighted the importance of reducing stigma within schools and the role of parents in fostering open dialogue.

The summit concluded with a pledge to launch a new youth‑led peer‑support program across secondary schools in 2025. Officials also announced a $50,000 grant to fund mental‑health workshops for at‑risk communities, an initiative that will be monitored by a joint task force of the Department of Health and the Bermuda Youth Council.

While the event was largely driven by the local community, it also attracted media coverage from regional outlets, underscoring the growing awareness of mental‑health issues among Bermuda’s younger generation. The summit’s success is expected to set a precedent for ongoing mental‑health advocacy across the island.