Successful online launch for research centre

The Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health held a well-received webinar this month to introduce the research centre to the world.

The Meet the Wolfson Centre webinar took place on the afternoon of the 5th of October 2021 and over 100 people joined the event online. The webinar, hosted by Professor Jeremy Hall, featured a variety of talks and video messages throughout the afternoon, as well as a public lecture from Professor Anita Thapar.

Speaking after the event, Wolfson Centre co-director, Professor Frances Rice said: “We were so pleased so many joined us online for the webinar, with a varied audience from across disciplines and sectors attending to hear more about our research.

“We were delighted to be joined for the whole event by Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Lynne Neagle MS, who spoke so passionately about her policy interests in youth mental health and the excitement around the Wolfson Centre’s future collaborations with policymakers.

“It was also fantastic to hear Professor Anita Thapar from the Wolfson Centre talk about youth mental health research and what lessons we have learnt collectively so far in recent years. I’d encourage anyone interested in learning more to view Anita’s informative public talk on our YouTube channel.”

Professor Stephan Collishaw, Wolfson Centre co-director, added: “The online event really showcased the collaborative nature of the Centre, with wonderful video messages from our funders at the Wolfson Foundation, international scientific collaborators, and of course, young people themselves.

“It was a real privilege to listen to the two Youth Representatives on our Implementation and Engagement Board, Mair and George, speak so clearly and passionately about engaging young people in research, what mental health means to them and why our work here at the Wolfson Centre will be so important in the field of youth mental health. We are also pleased George will be George is leading a discussion with our young person’s advisory groups on stigma and mental health next month.”

Professor Frances Rice concluded: “We would like to thank everyone who attended the webinar and to all of our contributors for their kind words and continued support. We are looking forward to growing and developing our public engagement activities in the coming months.”

The full webinar recording is available to view online here. You can also find Professor Anita Thapar’s public lecture and Talking mental health: in conversation with young people on the Wolfson Centre’s YouTube channel.