Rochdale psychologists deliver mental health talk at London conference

Dr Kirsty Hughes and Dr Louise Mansell

Two clinical psychologists from Rochdale delivered a mental health talk to hundreds of students in London during anti-bullying week (Monday 11 November – 15 November).

Founders of not-for-profit service ‘CPnurture’, Dr Louise Mansell and Dr Kirsty Hughes spoke to over 900 school and college students from across the UK at the Psychology in Action conference on Monday 11 November.

Louise and Kirsty spoke about the importance of kindness and its neuroscientific impact on mental health to inspire students to take care of their own and others’ mental health.

Dr Mansell said: “Mental health problems are high in this age range. Evidence shows that 850,000 of children aged between five and 16 have a diagnosable mental health problem, and almost 200 young people a year take their own life.

“One of the risk factors for experiencing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and suicide attempts is bullying. Unfortunately, data shows that 40% of students had experienced bullying in the preceding 12 months, and that one in 10 young people skip school due to bullying.”

Dr Hughes added: “It's essential that people are empowered to understand the science behind why therapy helps and are empowered with practical tips for how to support those around them. The training aims to inspire to create a more emotionally well society.

“These young people form a major part of the future for mental health; they can change generations of people, once they understand the science behind therapy and why it works.

“We hope they will take this forward, help and tell others. Being given the opportunity to inspire them at this age, and on such a large scale, is an honour for us.”

Funded by schools, social care, the NHS and parents, CPnurture, which operates from The Esplanade in Rochdale, was set up and founded by chartered clinical psychologists, Dr Kirsty Hughes and Dr Louise Mansell, in March 2017, swiftly growing to a team of eight.

The service has worked in the public sector with the NHS Child and adolescent mental health services, schools and children’s services as well as working alongside occupational therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, speech and language therapists, and mental health nurses.

Private sessions are also available.