YEAR 9 and 10 students from six secondary schools across East Hampshire met at Alton College recently to take part in the Annual Youth Conference.

The event was run by Mandy May of The King’s Arms in partnership with Andy Kennedy of Hampshire County Council Children’s Services.

They worked together with college students to design the overarching theme and configuration which this year revolved around stress: in exams, home-life, friends and relationships, social media, environmental and second-hand stress.

Led by students Brighan and Katie, the day started with some ice-breaker games, followed by workshops discussing what stress looks and feels like including physical symptoms, who to go to for help and what you can do to support yourself.

The conference was supported by a panel of experts made up of youth mental health services, The King’s Arms, pastoral support manager from Eggar’s and a PCSO, with a young person from Alton College inviting questions from the audience.

The students (from Amery Hill, Eggar’s, Churcher’s, Bedales, The Petersfield School and Alton School) then created pledges of what they were going to do to tackle stress once back in their school environment.

Mandy said: “Suggested pledges included creating a space for young people to be, increasing awareness of stress and the support available, even a well-being dog was proposed.”

She added: “We’d like to thank everyone for their support and involvement in making this such a valuable and thought-provoking day.”

The event was funded by The Lottery (as part of The King’s Arms Youthlink project), East Hampshire District Council and children’s services.