Youth Mental Health Awareness Event Slated for June 6 in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Rise and Thrive, a resident- and youth-led effort to promote mental health awareness and support for Springfield middle and high school students, will present Be Kind to Your Mind, a free mental health and wellness fair open to all young people in Springfield, on Friday, June 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Samuel Bolden Park, on Wilbraham Avenue.

The event will kick off with welcome remarks from Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, state Sen. Adam Gomez, and a representative from state Rep. Orlando Ramos’s office. What follows is a youth-created event featuring spoken word poetry, drum and dance performances, inspirational speakers, basketball, live mural painting, line dancing, food, games, raffle prizes, and more.

“Springfield residents — especially our youth — are steering this ship,” said Beatrice Dewberry, Community Building and Engagement director at Way Finders. “We are proud to support their efforts to create an event that represents their needs and interests — one that shines a light on mental health awareness, breaks the silence and stigma in asking for help, and offers education and support in a fun and engaging afternoon.”

The event also features the unveiling of the Youth Mental Health Pledge, created by the youth steering committee, which states: “I pledge to be kind to my mind. I promise to say no in moments that feel unsafe. I promise to put my feelings and needs first. I pledge to reach out for help when I need it.”

Representatives from more than a dozen local support agencies will be at the event to meet attendees and offer information and services.

Be Kind to Your Mind is a creation of the Way Finders resident advocates and youth subcommittee, with support from New North Citizens Council, Springfield Youth Mental Health Coalition, and NeighborWorks America.