This year’s annual Youth Conference is the setting to launch a new mental health campaign set up by young people in Carmarthenshire.

Garnant teenager Harriet Alsop-Bingham will launch ‘Stori Harriet’ on behalf of the Youth Council.

‘Stori Harriet’ encourages people to pledge to start a conversation.

Harriet, aged 16, has faced personal difficulties and has shown strength and courage in overcoming them.

She said: “Mental health is everyone’s business and I hope that Stori Harriet will help people whether it be family members, school staff or someone you’ve met on the street. It’s important to check they are ok as starting a conversation could change a life.”

The campaign will be launched by Cllr Glynog Davies, Executive Board Member for Education who will sign the first copy of Stori Harriet’s Pledge at the conference.

He said: “Harriet has an inspiring story to tell which will I’m sure give encouragement and support to others. I congratulate Harriet and the Youth Council for bringing this important and difficult topic to the forefront,” he said.

“I hope that people will support and sign Harriet’s pledge.”

Over 100 young people aged between 11 and 25 from schools, colleges and youth projects across Carmarthenshire are expected to attend this year’s conference in Parc y Scarlets on November 22 from 9.30am-2.30pm.

Entitled ‘It’s A Bad Day, Not A Bad Life’ the conference’s theme is the Mental Health of Young People.

The conference is organised in partnership by Carmarthenshire Youth Council and Carmarthenshire County Council’s Participation and Children’s Rights Team.

During the event young people will listen to speeches and take part in workshops and discussions around Mental Health with other young people, decision makers and professionals from the health and education sector.

Carmarthenshire Youth Council member and Bryngwyn School pupil Freya Sperinck, aged 15, said: “The aim of the conference is to raise awareness of mental health issues facing young people today but more importantly letting young people know what they can do to help their own mental health and the mental health of others.”

If you are aged between 11 and 25 and would like to share your views and experiences of mental health of young people book you can book your place or for more information on Stori Harriet and how to sign the pledge visit youthsirgar.org.uk