Penticton youth spent an intensive day last week talking about mental health and how it relates to them and their communities.

The March 10 event was the first of four youth summits planned for coming months in B.C. The free one-day events are led by youth, for youth to talk about mental health, break down stigma and connect people to resources in their communities.

香蕉视频直播淭here has been some serious moments in the day, in the speeches and there has also been some funny ones, so we have been able to release emotions and discuss the dynamics of mental wellness,香蕉视频直播� said Victoria Richie, a Penticton Secondary School student and a youth organizer for the event.

Richie said she could see her peers getting engaged during the event, which included a keynote speech from two-time Grey Cup champion Shea Emry and workshops ranging from a guided yoga practice to ways to promote a positive body image, even learning how to share their personal experiences.

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Richie went on a guided hike led by Emery, aimed at helping the participants connect with nature and being comfortable with themselves.

香蕉视频直播淲e reflected a lot of moods and how we were feeling. At the start of the hike, some kids were nervous about it, the weather was snowy, so they weren香蕉视频直播檛 super excited about being outside,香蕉视频直播� said Richie. 香蕉视频直播淎s we went on and we appreciated everything, people became more positive and the way they described their mood at the end of the hike was completely different than how they did at the beginning. They seemed to be more open and engaged.香蕉视频直播�

Paul Irving, project co-ordinator with the health literacy team at , which sponsored the event, said he was impressed by the courage of the students, both the youth organizers that stepped up to help put it together and those who shared their stories.

香蕉视频直播淚 think the main thing we are learning is creating a safe and supportive environment for all the students attending to share tips, to share maybe some of their own experiences, connect, learn about what else they can do in their schools, what other students are doing in their schools to support mental health and wellness,香蕉视频直播� said Irving.

香蕉视频直播淚t showed me that we all have to support each other,香蕉视频直播� said Richie. 香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 not about one person helping themselves, it香蕉视频直播檚 everyone being inclusive, being welcoming and feel strong as well.香蕉视频直播�

Four summits are scheduled from April to May 香蕉视频直播� Surrey, Vancouver Island and Northern B.C. 香蕉视频直播� and are an initiative of B.C. Children香蕉视频直播檚 Hospital, supported by the Canucks for Kids Fund. The Balancing Our Minds summit began in Vancouver, attracting more than 1,000 annually since its inception in 2014.