Wales’ largest careers fair, SkillsCymru, is to host the Million Minds tour for its first visit to Wales.
The tour, which aims to help young people cope with the challenges that life presents, will bring together up and coming artists and speakers to deliver a lesson to young people about mental health.
One in eight young people aged 5-19 experience mental ill health, of whom 65% get no professional help; 75% of adult mental health problems are established by by age 24. Million Minds encourages individuals to take responsibility for their mental wellbeing and become more resilient in day-to-day challenges.
Three headline acts will be delivering the Million Minds lesson at SkillsCymru: Jamala Osman, rap artist and TedX speaker Dame Til Wykes, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation at King’s College London.
The lesson will be delivered at SkillsCymru in Cardiff where more than 8,000 young people, graduates and job seekers are expected to attend.
The free event will take place on 9 and 10 October at Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff and on 16 and 17 October at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.
This year there will also be a Skills Theatre and Get Skilled Stands to help visitors experience the skills needed for various careers and to showcase a wide range of industries in Wales.
The Skills Theatre is sponsored by Cardiff and Vale College and will show a range of demonstrations including a sports fitness rugby academy, performing arts demonstrations, theatrical make up displays and musical performances by sponsors Cardiff and Vale College.
The careers fair includes employers from a variety of sectors including AirbusUK, The Cake Crew and Welsh Water.
Parents and guardians of people aged between 14 and 24 are also invited to a parents’ evening on the 9th Oct, 4pm to 6:30pm, in Cardiff and 16th October, 5pm to 7pm in Llandudno to receive advice and discover the career options available for their children.
Jamala Osman, co-founder at Million Minds Tour said: “Recently we have seen an increase in mental health problems amongst young people and a decrease in the ability of young people to cope with stress, adapt to difficult situations and learn to cope with emotions.
“Everyone who attends our interactive lesson at SkillsCymru will also be given access to our Boost App, developed by The Resilience Project, which uses smart phone technology to provide instant help and guided support to those that need it.
“SkillsCymru is the perfect place to reach these young people and spread our knowledge and expertise to a wider audience to help young people develop positive mental health.”
Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates said “Being able to host the Million Minds Tour at this year’s SkillsCymru is a great addition to the event.
“My own experiences of dealing with mental health matters around anxiety have helped me realise how important it is to be open about such issues and teach coping techniques to younger people who may be feeling pressured at this stage of their life.
“Nobody should ever feel ashamed of talking about mental illness and the more we share experiences, the less stigma will be attached.
“SkillsCymru is a great event to reach a younger audience with this important topic while also inspiring the next generation of workers to explore what career and vocational routes are available to them.”
SkillsCymru is a free annual event and is supported by the Welsh Government and the European Social Fund to promote skills in Wales and inspire young people to explore the different vocational routes and future career options available to them.
For more information about SkillsCymru, visit www.skillscymru.co.uk
