NAViGO are to be one of the hosts at Now and Beyond – the UK’s first ever mental health and wellbeing festival for primary and secondary schools.

The virtual event, which takes place during Children’s Mental Health Week, is a response to COVID-19’s effect on the mental health of young people.

On Wednesday 3 February, we’ll be hosting two presentations on building resilience in partnership with Bloom, Mental Health UK and the Grimsby Institute.

The sessions will be delivered by our own staff, including members of the Early Intervention in Psychosis & Transitions team, along with two young adults with lived experience of mental health problems.

Children and young people will learn about our Resilience Tool Kit – a set of skills that can be used to reduce stress in these overwhelming times. Schools and colleges around North East Lincolnshire have already benefited from the Tool Kit during the pandemic.

Amy Quickfall, NAViGO’s engagement and projects manager, said: “We’re committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of people of all ages, and that includes young people who have had to deal with a lot of stress and anxiety over the past 12 months in particular.

“We’re so excited to be a part of such a landmark event for children across the country and look forward to helping them build up their resilience.”

The festival is a joint venture between Beyond and Inside Out Day. Beyond is a mental health charity supporting young people, while Inside Out Day is marked each year by encouraging others to wear an item of their clothing inside out as a reminder that no one knows how someone is feeling inside.

If you’re a school or college who wants to get involved in Now and Beyond, you can find more information on the event website.