Virtual event launch for the Wolfson Centre

The Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health is holding an online webinar to mark its opening and to officially introduce the research centre to the world.

The webinar, Meet the Wolfson Centre, is a chance to learn more about the first research centre of its kind in the UK focused on improving young people’s mental health, based at Cardiff University.

The event, which will be hosted by Professor Jeremy Hall, will feature videos from the Centre’s academics, funders at the Wolfson Foundation, the Deputy Minister for Mental Health in Welsh Government, Lynne Neagle MS, messages from international collaborators and young people themselves. The event will also feature a lecture from Professor Anita Thapar entitled ‘Young people’s mental health in the 21^st century’.

Speaking ahead of the event, Wolfson Centre co-director Professor Frances Rice said: “We are really excited to invite people to learn more about the Centre and to introduce to the Wolfson Centre to our colleagues, friends, supporters and the public from around the globe. We are thrilled that over 150 attendees are already signed up to join us for what we hope will be an informative and interesting afternoon of talks, videos and an academic lecture from the Centre’s Professor Anita Thapar.”

Dr Ranj Singh, NHS paediatrician and TV presenter, has shown his support for the Centre’s work on social media, with a video message.  

Dr Ranj said: “With 1 in 6 young people struggling with their mental health, the Wolfson Centre’s research couldn’t be more timely or important. I’m looking forward to following the Centre’s journey over the coming months as their research gets underway to improve the lives of young people facing mental health challenges."

Mental health advocate, author and filmmaker, Jonny Benjamin MBE, also endorsed the Wolfson Centre’s research. He added: “I’m really excited to be supporting the Wolfson Centre. Research into mental health, particularly youth mental health, is important and has been lacking for such a long time. Growing up with mental health problems is so tough and I’m pleased to see the work the Wolfson Centre is doing; it’s going to change and impact so many young people’s lives in the future.”

Professor Stephan Collishaw, Wolfson Centre co-director concluded: “The Wolfson Centre is an interdisciplinary and collaborative research centre that brings together experts with different perspectives to undertake research that will lead to real-world changes in the field of adolescent mental health. We are really pleased with the level of support for the Centre’s events so far.”

The Meet the Wolfson Centre webinar will take place on the 5^th of October from 13.30-15.00 and it is free and open to anyone interested in attending. Register online at hellowolfsoncentre.eventbrite.co.uk