The Alex Panton Foundation (“APF”) has announced that the 2023 Youth Mental Health Symposium  will be held in-person, on Saturday 18 February, from 10am to 4pm at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

The 6th annual event returns with the theme “Let’s talk about trauma”. 

This year’s agenda will see a range of topics from students, parents, researchers, clinicians and policymakers to help us understand the effects of trauma that are often not seen, and what the community can do to help.  The Symposium hopes to create a safe space for important discussions and to connect youth and parents with local mental health experts. 

Jane Panton, Chairperson and Co-Founder of APF said: “It is vital to address a major cause of mental health issues  – particularly in our young people. Trauma. While it may be a difficult conversation, APF is dedicated to helping our young people, parents, and anyone struggling with its effects.

Trauma has had such an immense effect in our society, that there is a need to discuss it in a public format so that everyone has a chance to find the resources they need. We must all feel that we are seen and heard, and that for any difficult situation, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and together, we can overcome it.” 

The Symposium will feature a range of topics and speakers, including Dr. Erica Lam, Dr. Stenette Davis,  Rhonda Kelly, Hon. Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, Shannon Seymour, Brandon Ramakko, and Dr. Stephanie Edwards, among others. The Honorable Sabrina Turner, MP, Minister of Health and Wellness, will deliver the opening address, while His Excellency Mr. Martyn Keith Roper, OBE, Governor of the Cayman Islands, will give welcoming remarks.

A panel discussion called ‘Surviving my trauma’ will be moderated by Dr. Kathryn Whittaker.

For more information on this year’s speakers and their topics, visit the APF website: at https://alexpantonfoundation.ky/2023-youth-mental-health-symposium/

Spaces are limited. Anyone who might benefit from this conversation is advised to register as soon as possible.  

Registration on the day will begin from 9:30am.

APF extends thanks to this year’s generous sponsors for making this event possible: 

Ministry of Health and Wellness, Burger King and Popeyes, Compass Media, Tower, Queensgate Bank & Trust Company Ltd, Ogier, Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, The Wellness Centre, Ministry of Education, Ironshore Pharmaceuticals and Development Inc, Infinite Mindcare, Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage, Cinico, Health City Cayman Islands

ENDS –     

About the Alex Panton Foundation

The Alex Panton Foundation (“APF”) is a Non-profit Organisation with the primary objective of raising awareness of mental illnesses affecting children and young adults in the Cayman Islands with a particular focus on anxiety and depression.

This Foundation has been established in memory of Alex Panton, who succumbed to the effects of severe depression at the age of 16.

APF aims to provide hope and resources to friends, family, teachers, classmates, and careers to help save the lives of children and young adults struggling with mental illness.