Expert enlisted
to promote self-esteem of young people
Dr Tony
Humphreys, one of Ireland’s
most influential psychologists, today encouraged all those
working with young
people to be aware of the importance of promoting their self-esteem
at a seminar in Armagh City Hotel.
The event organised by the Design for Living Partnership,
which is made up of the Health Promotion Agency, Action Mental
Health and the Youth Council for Northern Ireland, targeted
professionals from the voluntary, community and statutory
sectors who work with young people. The aim of the seminar
was to provide participants with strategies and interventions
on mental health issues for children and adolescents.
Research carried out through the Design for Living Partnership
among 16-25 year olds showed that mental health problems
such as sleep disorders, stress, anxiety and behavioural
problems affect one in five young people in Northern Ireland.
During
the seminar Dr Humphreys said: “How young people
feel about themselves determines how they are in school,
their relationships, and later on in the workplace. Attention
to how a young person feels is an essential responsibility
for parents, teachers and others who are accountable for
children’s welfare.”
He continued: “Early childhood is a crucial time for
emotional development and research indicates that unhappy
experiences during this time can have long-lasting effects.
The early years are crucial to the development of children’s
self-esteem which is central to their educational growth.
“Nurturing self-esteem from an early age is the key
to helping them grow up feeling secure, confident and eager
to face life’s challenges. A young person’s level
of self-esteem determines their emotional, social, intellectual
and career development.”
Dr Humphreys is a consultant clinical psychologist based
in Co. Cork. He is internationally known as a leading lecturer
on individual, couple and family relationships, self-esteem
and relationships in the workplace.
This is the second seminar in a series of three mental health
workshops provided by the Design for Living Partnership.
The third seminar will take place on 10 March 2004 in Londonderry.
END Notes to the editor:
- There will be a photo
opportunity and media facility at Armagh City Hotel on Thursday
4 December at 11:15am when Dr Tony Humphreys
will be available for interview.
- The
Design for Living Project aims to promote and protect
young people’s mental and emotional
health.
- The event is being attended by a wide range of local
health professionals.
For further information:
Contact
Jenny Dougan on 028 9031 1611 |
