MP launches town initiative on young people’s mental health

A town-wide initiative is being launched by Frome’s MP to address the growing mental health challenges faced by children and young people.

Anna Sabine MP is launching the ‘Hackathon’, a community event where people come together to collaborate, share ideas and develop practical solutions to a specific issue – in this case, young people’s mental health. It is being run in partnership with Beacon Services Resources CIC and Frome Medical Practice.

The Hackathon will take place on Saturday 6th September and will bring together young people, parents, teachers and health professionals exploring the barriers to identifying and supporting mental health issues and to develop practical, community-led solutions.

As awareness grows around the complexity of mental health and its many manifestations in children and adolescents, the organisers are keen to listen to the lived experiences of local families and professionals to help shape more effective responses.

Anna said, “Children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world – both online and offline – and it’s vital we take the time to truly understand the pressures they face. As a mother of teenagers myself, the wellbeing of young people is close to my heart. I hope the Hackathon will create an open and constructive space for the community to come together, share experiences and build practical solutions that genuinely meet the needs of young people in Frome.”

The conversation starts now, with a survey launched in schools and youth groups, and available widely via QR codes on flyers in participating cafés and businesses throughout Frome.

The survey invites local voices, especially those of children and young people, to share concerns, experiences and ideas. Whether it is difficulty accessing support, recognising early signs, or the experience of supporting peers, all responses will help shape the focus of the September event.

There are two surveys, one for children and young people to share their experiences and one for adults who would like to share their understanding or concerns around the young people in their life.

Director of Beacon Services Resources CIC, Lisa Merryweather, said, “We know that real solutions start with listening. This Hackathon is about starting a conversation and keeping young people’s voices at the centre. It’s a community response to a growing issue, and we’re proud to be working alongside families, practitioners, and young people to drive it forward.”

On the day, small group discussions will take place in venues and cafés across Frome, inviting participants to share ideas and co-create solutions. The event will also feature expert panel sessions, interactive activities, and opportunities for movement-based wellbeing workshops, ensuring the day is inclusive, engaging and action oriented.

Dr Neha Bhagi, GP Partner, Clinical Director and Mental Health Lead for Frome Medical Practice has direct contact with young people and their families and said,

“As a GP, I see firsthand how deeply young people are affected by mental health challenges, and how vital early support can be. But the most powerful insights don’t come from professionals alone—they come from young people and their families who live these experiences every day. Through this initiative, we’re making sure their voices shape the support they receive.”

More information will follow in the coming months and can be accessed via https://www.anna4fes.uk/campaigns/mental-health-hackathon where the surveys are also available.