Parent Seminar on Adolescent Mental Health: Professor Patrick McGorry
Last Thursday, we had the privilege of hosting Professor Patrick McGorry, a world-renowned clinician, researcher, and advocate for early intervention in youth mental health. The event was held in the Grant Centre, and it was very encouraging to see such a strong turnout from both parents and staff, underscoring the community’s commitment to understanding and addressing this crucial youth health issue.
Professor McGorry presented research-driven insights into the mental health crisis currently affecting young people across the Western world, including some sobering statistics about the problems faced by our young men and women. He commented on the generational factors and different challenges that they face, including issues like a perceived lack of security, societal inequalities, the climate crisis, and how this affects wellbeing. His discussion highlighted the need for modern health systems that are responsive and tailored to the unique needs and experiences of younger generations. These systems, he suggested, should be safe, friendly, and co-designed to ensure they resonate with the young people they aim to help.
A particularly key point from Professor McGorry was the importance of strong relationships in supporting adolescent mental health. He urged parents and educators to foster meaningful connections, emphasising the need to engage in regular conversations and to provide the time and space for them to reach out and seek guidance.
Importantly, Professor McGorry also highlighted the role young people themselves can play in supporting each other within the school environment. By establishing a community with a strong foundation in mental health literacy, he stated that students can become empowered to provide peer support and cultivate a more understanding and supportive environment. Our new Shore Student Committee will provide us with an opportunity to explore this further in 2024.
Following this, he provided some helpful tools and practical advice, encouraging us all to “stick with it and support our young people, as they will find a way through with our help.“
For those unable to attend, we highly recommend accessing the seminar recording to benefit from Professor McGorry’s valuable insights. This information is crucial for our joint efforts to support the mental wellbeing of the boys in our care.
We thank you for joining us in building a supportive, understanding community focused on addressing youth mental health.
Top image: Mr Derek Champion, Professor Patrick McGorry and Dr John Collier.
Derek Champion
Deputy Head, Pastoral Care