Mental health focus at innovation event
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RIVERSIDE College wasdelighted to host the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) Education Day, an inspiring event designed to raise awareness of mental health issues.
The college welcomed guest speakers Gareth Presch (WHIS CEO and founder) and clinical psychologist Dr Adam Bradford Psy.D to talk about the outstanding work that is done by the organisation and discuss topics including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The WHIS operates throughout the world, providing a platform for healthcare providers to share knowledge and ideas to improve health care locally.
Dr Adam Bradford, who flew in from America to talk at the college, spoke about the impact of childhood trauma throughout a lifespan.
His captivating discussion focused on functions within the brain, the trauma stress response cycle and the biological causes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Gareth Presch delivered a moving talk to the audience about why he started the organisation and the positive impact it has.
Gareth also discussed his new role with the United Nations Global Sustainable Index Institute of which he was recently appointed expert lead relating to wellbeing and education.
Rosie Byrom, counselling lec- turer at Riverside College, said: “The event was a great success and very well received by our students and members of the community who were invited.
“We feel very privileged that Gareth Presch and Dr Bradford were able to come to speak to our students.
“Dr Bradford’s presentation in particular will be of great benefit to our counselling students who may find themselves working with clients experiencing PTSD.
“We look forward to hosting more WHIS events again in the future.”
Feedback from Riverside College students has been fantastic.
One student said: “I feel Dr Adam Bradford was a fantastic educator.
“I found the information very valuable and he has definitely sparked a passion within me.”
Another student commented: “Gareth Presch’s presentation was very interesting, especially as I work in a primary school.
“It was very relevant to my job role and I was so impressed that I have made contact with WHIS with a view to introducing their children’s therapeutic programme ‘WHISKids’ into my school. Dr Bradford’s presentation was very interesting and gave me a greater understanding on the impact of trauma on young children and how it affects their education.”