A Remarkable Mental Health Summit at Blissful Meadows Golf Course: Building a Supportive Community for Uxbridge Students
Mending Spartan Minds: The new club at Uxbridge High School - where students learn about and provide an outlet for their fellow students - Our students opened the event and helped everyone in the room center on the importance of focusing on the wellness of our students
The picturesque Blissful Meadows Golf Course was the spot for an extraordinary event on March 29, 2023 – Uxbridge’s first-ever Mental Health Summit that brought together mental health professionals, educators, and community members with the shared goal of improving the mental well-being of students in the Uxbridge Public Schools. This event saw 60 participants in attendance, reflecting the dedication and commitment of the community to addressing this important issue.
State Representative Mike Soter attended - here, he addresses how significant it is that we pay close attention to mental health in our community
The summit featured nine distinguished panelists who presented their insights, experiences, and expertise in mental health, behavioral support, and social-emotional learning. Following the panel discussions, an inspiring conversation unfolded, focusing on potential partnerships and strategies to enhance the support available for students not only during school hours but also after school, on weekends, and when school is not in session.
Mrs. Emerick and Mrs. Nowlan took careful notes at the meeting - these were shared with all participants along with contact information so that we can continue to collaborate and build a system of support
Mrs. Tobin and Mrs. Ciccone shared unforgettable information about what is really happening with our students
This event was also attended by local church leaders, Paster Jamie Walton from the Cornerstone Church; Father Nick Desimone from St. Mary’s Parish; and Matt Nordquist from Vally Chapel.
Panelists:
James Amaral, LMHC, Family Continuity/Advocates
Melissa Plowman, LMHC
Erica Bedard, Department of Children and Families Whitinsville Area Director
Kate Bock, Director of Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention
Heather Elster, Executive Director of Whitinsville Community Center
Sheila Kelly, Community Relations Representative
Safar Medina, MD – Pediatrician at Tri-River Family Health
Kate Rose, Family Continuity/Advocates
Marc Montminy, Uxbridge Chief of Police
After panelists shared important information about trends, services, and ideas, everyone was welcomed to join in the discussion
In a town like Uxbridge, where there are no YMCA or Boys and Girls Club facilities, the importance of providing this kind of support for our young people cannot be overstated. As a community, we must come together to create an environment that nurtures the mental health and well-being of our students.
As a result of the summit, I met with our Athletic Director, Beth Wandyes, our Athletic Trainer, Amanda Rodrigues, and Heather Elster from Whitinsville Community Center, and Michelle Sanford from Milford Regional Medical Center to talk about how we can work together to provide training for local youth coaches to be prepared to engage and address children when faced with challenges at youth practices and competitions.
The Mental Health Summit at Blissful Meadows Golf Course has undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for future collaborations and initiatives. The event not only showcased the vital work being done in the field but also highlighted the gaps in support and resources that need to be addressed. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the participants were infectious, and we hope that this momentum will continue to grow as we work towards our shared goal.
Key takeaways from the summit included:
The importance of early intervention and prevention in addressing mental health challenges in students
The need for a comprehensive approach to mental health that includes not only clinical interventions but also community-based support systems.
The significance of involving students, parents, and educators in creating a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
As we progress, the relationships forged at the summit will catalyze change in the Uxbridge community. Participants left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to working together to create a network of support for the young people who need it most.
I and many others felt that this event was a resounding success, marking a crucial step towards providing comprehensive behavioral and social-emotional support for students in the Uxbridge Community. We are excited to see what the future holds and how these collaborative efforts will positively impact the lives of our students and the community.