Over 700 young people from Nottingham and Nottinghamshire gathered for the NottAlone Live events during Children’s Mental Health Week (3-9 February 2025), participating in a dynamic series of workshops, performances, and activities focused on mental wellbeing. Held on 4 and 5 February at the YMCA Community and Activity Village in Newark, the events provided a platform for young people to connect, reflect on their mental health, and explore ways to build resilience.
A Platform for Youth Empowerment
The event brought together local talent and mental health professionals, offering a safe space for open conversations about the challenges young people face regarding mental health. Participants enjoyed performances by local musicians, including Romy Woodward, a 15-year-old singer-songwriter, who shared her personal journey of using music as a tool for mental health awareness. “Everyone feels down at some point, it can be hard to open up about how you feel. I write songs because I think it’s important to talk about mental health,” Woodward said, emphasizing the importance of making your own path in life.
For Emily-Nile Kibuuka, a year-seven student, the event was a reminder of the collective strength in unity. “Not only is our mental health important but everyone’s mental health is important, loads of kids can come together and have a voice here,” Kibuuka noted, capturing the spirit of the event.
“Know Yourself, Grow Yourself”
The theme of Children’s Mental Health Week — “Know yourself, grow yourself” — resonated deeply with the attendees, encouraging them to reflect on their emotions and mental wellbeing. This theme was brought to life by the local performances and workshops, which provided tools for self-reflection and resilience-building. Participants learned how to recognize and manage their emotions, develop coping strategies, and understand the importance of mental health.
A Collaborative Effort
Sam Oliver, Safeguarding & Welfare Manager from Barnby Road Academy, highlighted the positive impact the event had on the younger attendees. “It was a fabulous experience for our year-five children. They left with a sense of increased wellbeing,” Oliver said, noting that these types of events help foster a more open and supportive environment for mental health discussions.
The NottAlone Live events are a product of collaboration between mental health professionals and young people themselves. Dr. Maddi Popoola, co-founder of NottAlone and Mental Health Support Team Service Manager at Nottingham City Council, expressed her pride in the event’s success. “I can’t believe we’ve just delivered our third NottAlone Live event. Seeing so many happy faces and hearing young people talk about their mental health, their struggles, and what makes them happy has been truly rewarding,” Popoola shared. She emphasized the role of co-production in ensuring the event resonated with the young audience, reflecting their experiences and needs.
Continuing Support for Youth
Dr. Orlaith Green, another co-founder of NottAlone and Principal Educational Psychologist, encouraged attendees to seek support whenever needed. “The most powerful thing you can do if you’re having worries or strong feelings is to talk to someone you trust,” Green said, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to parents, friends, teachers, or mental health professionals.
The success of NottAlone Live is part of a broader movement led by NottAlone, which began as a website for mental health support and has since expanded to include an all-age approach. The website provides a wealth of resources and support for individuals seeking help for themselves or others. It offers information via online platforms, text, email, and phone, ensuring that young people have access to care and someone who will listen.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As NottAlone continues to grow, it is committed to strengthening its impact. “Every year NottAlone grows stronger, it’s online and in person, and it supports people of all ages now, not just people under the age of 25,” Dr. Popoola said, teasing exciting developments for the upcoming year.
With a mission to build a supportive, inclusive community for mental health, NottAlone Live remains a pivotal event in Nottingham’s efforts to address mental health among young people. The event’s success also highlights the power of collaboration between local councils, schools, and mental health professionals in creating meaningful change in the lives of young people.
A Growing Network of Support
The NottAlone initiative is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, and the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, all working together to provide vital mental health resources and support for the local community.
As NottAlone looks toward the future, the growing success of NottAlone Live offers hope that the conversation around mental health will continue to be normalized, empowering young people to take control of their wellbeing and reach out for the support they need.
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