A mental health program designed specifically for secondary school students has been recognized as a finalist for the upcoming national NHS Parliamentary awards, shining a spotlight on the importance of prioritizing mental well-being among young people.
Known as the Tree of Life project, this initiative has been nominated for the ‘Health Equalities’ award by Dame Meg Hillier, Member of Parliament for Hackney South and Shoreditch. The program is focused on supporting the Black community in the Hackney and Shoreditch areas by collaborating with the East London NHS Foundation support teams in schools and various voluntary services in Hackney.
One of the health volunteers, Jesse Orlando, shared his personal experience with the Tree of Life project, highlighting the positive impact it has had on his confidence and overall well-being. He expressed how the program has opened up new opportunities for him and emphasized the need to expand the initiative to reach more individuals in the community.
The sessions offered as part of the Tree of Life project are facilitated by peer group leaders who come from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds and have received training from volunteers with similar ethnic origins. These leaders create a safe space for young people to openly discuss their challenges and experiences, providing much-needed support and understanding.
By bringing together groups in a non-traditional mental health setting, the project offers an alternative approach to addressing mental well-being and promoting resilience among secondary school students. It focuses on building a sense of community and fostering connections that can positively impact the mental health of participants.
As the Tree of Life project represents London in the national awards ceremony, its innovative and community-driven approach to mental health support has garnered attention and recognition. The program’s emphasis on inclusivity, cultural relevance, and peer-led initiatives sets it apart as a valuable resource for addressing the mental health needs of young people in diverse communities.
The winners of the NHS Parliamentary awards will be announced in Westminster on October 14, showcasing the importance of initiatives like the Tree of Life project in promoting mental well-being and creating a supportive environment for individuals to thrive. By highlighting the success of programs that prioritize personal mental health, we can work towards a more inclusive and holistic approach to supporting the well-being of all community members.
