Virtual Platform Launched For NJ Teens To Discuss Mental Health

NEW JERSEY – In effort to continue the vital conversation about mental wellness, the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) will be hosting their first Virtual Youth Town Hall on Aug. 27.

SPTS, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health, has developed a safe and free space for New Jersey youth, between the ages of 13-19 to share their experiences and feelings about the last few months. NJ DOH hosted successful Virtual Youth Town Halls in June, response to COVID-19, and in July, response to racial justice issues.

“The hope of this Town Hall is to give students a chance to add their voice to the conversation surrounding COVID-19 and the re-opening of schools," SPTS Executive Director, Dawn Doherty said. "SPTS recognizes the stress added to our youth due to the disruption of schedules/lack of structure; level of uncertainty and worries of contracting the virus; and missed activities, events and milestones. Teens need a safe space where they can share what they are going through and know they are not alone.”

The virtual event will help teens identify the challenges presented with a “different normal,” as well as: how to plan in times of uncertainty; what lies ahead; and how to handle difficult life situations. It will also give students an opportunity to hear their peers describe the ways their life was impacted by COVID-19 and their thoughts on moving forward. The event will include brief presentations by middle and high school students in tandem with school and mental health professionals, breakout rooms run by student volunteers, and conclude with crisis resources available to students across the state.

This Virtual Youth Town Hall is sponsored by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
and presented in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health. The two entities
recently partnered on the development of an online learning experience, Navigating Back to
School, available on the SPTSUNIVERSITY.ORG website at no cost, to address the transition
back to school for staff, parents and students from a trauma informed perspective.

Registration for this webinar is free, but preregistration is required. Any NJ youth age 13-19 is encouraged to participate. Visit www.sptsusa.org/YouthTownHall to register and for additional information on this Town Hall.

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