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LEWISTON – Community members and mental health professionals will have an opportunity to discuss mental health challenges at a forum at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Connors Elementary School, 800 Bartlett St.
The “Be Kind to Your Mind” mental health forum is hosted by the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council and is free and open to the public.
“The youth council believes that creating this open conversation will give everyone the opportunity to be involved and be heard,” said Elissa Nadeau, LYAC Chair.
In September, the youth council decided that their next project would focus on mental health awareness, expressing concern about peers and community members they’ve observed emotionally hurting.
“The fact that youth council members are stepping up to make positive connections regarding mental health awareness is huge,” said Mayor Carl L. Sheline. “Not only are they in tune with community needs, but they are taking action. Their example is something that we can all learn from and emulate.”
Speakers at the forum so far a Colin O’Neill, Tri-County Mental Health Services chief clinical officer; Amran Osman, executive director/founder of Generational Noor; Lisa Escobar, Lewiston Public Schools substance use coordinator/licensed counselor; Megan Parks, licensed social worker/substance use counselor/clinical supervisor; Lewiston Police Det. Joe Philippon; and LYAC Vice-Chair Ava Golder.
Mental health resources will also be available, and there will be related artwork, and wall-size post-its, providing an opportunity for attendees to share feelings when entering and leaving the forum (though not required).
LYAC has also made a list of mental health resources available at www.lewistonmaine.gov/lyac.
