“Wellbeing First: Building Resilience in Young Lives”
Please see event information which contains all the key information for the conference. You will also find the conference programme below.
Programme for the day:
We are looking forward to a great conference, but please be aware that we will be hearing about people’s personal experiences so please look after yourselves and there will be support on the day if required.
From 09.00 – Arrival, registration, and refreshments
10.00 – Welcome – Tilly Wood, Young Person with Lived Experience
10.10 – Introduction and Poem read on behalf of a Child in Care – Catherine Howe, Chief Executive Dorset Council
10.20 – Lived experience conversation between young people
Presentations from partner agencies on how they support children & young people’s resilience
10.50 – Child and Young People Mental Health Services
11.10 – Dorset Council Virtual School
11.30 – Refreshment Break and opportunity to network
Continue Presentations from partner agencies
11.50 – Dorset Council’s Children’s Services – Targeted Youth Work Team
12.10 – ACTS FAST
12.30 – Dorset Healthcare Perinatal Mental Health
12:50 – Dorset Mental Health Forum
13.10 – Lunch (buffet lunch will be provided)
14.10 – Introduction to the afternoon – Tilly Wood
14.20 – Q&A Panel – Dorset Mental Health Forum Lived Experience Practitioners
14:50 – Youth Voice presentation on children & young people’s smartphone use – Jayne Browne, Youth Voice Officer, Dorset Council
15.05 – Presentation on the harmful effects of smartphone use and practical tips for professionals – Dr Helen Thomas
16.05 – Closing remarks – Paul Dempsey, Executive Director – People, Children Dorset Council
16.15 – Close
We have the venue until 5pm, and so you are welcome to use the remaining time to network and visit our supporting organisations in the foyer.
Further information on our speakers:
ACTS FAST
Chief Executive Officer, Simone Gosden, has worked within the statutory and voluntary sector for over 20 years both as a frontline worker and in leadership roles.
Prior to joining ACTS FAST Simone worked as the Head of Operations for a service providing practical and emotional support to children and adults who are primary victims/survivors of sexual trauma.
In 2023, Simone recruited and developed a new team at the charity ACTS FAST. Identifying a Clinical Lead and client facing team with a specialist knowledge of the impact of trauma and a commitment to trauma-informed practice. They have worked together to introduce a new service delivery for families impacted by sexual abuse.
ACTS FAST provides therapeutic support for parents/carers of children who have been sexually abused and for partners of individuals who have downloaded Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). Providing stabilisation, psychoeducation and non-judgemental support for secondary victims of sexual abuse. The team believes passionately in the work of ACTS FAST and that support for family members is key in lessening both the short- and long-term impact of sexual abuse on individuals, the family unit and wider society.
To understand more about the work of ACTS FAST or to make a referral please visit the website
Dr Helen Thomas
Dr Helen Thomas is an NHS GP and delivers education and health talks regarding children and young people’s mental health related to smartphone and social media misuse. Working with Health Processionals for Safer Screens, Dr Thomas has developed a nationally available training module and resource pack to facilitate further support for professionals, families and young people.
