Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Black tie ball set to launch student’s mental health initiative
Twenty one-year-old Amen Dhesi, from Wrose in Bradford, who is currently studying for an MSc in Psychology of Sport and Exercise at Leeds Beckett, created Imagine Bradford with friend Katie Mahon as a way of tackling the stigma attached to mental health issues and helping young people to boost their confidence.
Amen explained: “As a young adult carer, I was supported by Mind and Barnardo’s and became inspired by Thomas Barnardo, who set up his charity after university and built it up from a school in London to an organisation which has helped millions of children. I want to give back the help that I’ve received and have a real impact on the people of Bradford, with the view of growing the enterprise into Yorkshire and beyond.”
Imagine Bradford will be launched at a ball held at the Great Victoria Hotel on Bridge Street in Bradford, on Saturday 29 October, from 6pm onwards. Tickets for the ball are £30 each and can be purchased by calling Amen on 07946 749798 or emailing info.imaginebradford@gmail.com.
Working with Katie’s theatre company, Bloomin’ Buds, Bradford-based online mental health and wellbeing support service Making Your Mind Up, and Eccleshill United football club, Imagine Bradford will deliver interactive workshops and sessions with the aim of educating young people about psychology and mental health using creative activities including art, drama and sport. With long waiting lists facing those seeking clinical help, the new initiative aims to act as an intermediary source of help and support.
Amen added: “Our aim is to look at mental health issues in a positive way, getting people talking about their experiences openly and from a young age. We have already teamed up with two schools in Bradford: Hanson Academy and Blakehill Primary School, and we hope to get more schools on board.”
Hosting the black tie event will be Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, with entertainment provided by Leeds singer and former contestant on The Voice, Harris Hameed, and Bradford artist Hassad Ditta. A talk will be presented by a guest speaker from Leeds Beckett University and Bloomin’ Buds will perform their latest theatre production. Guests will also be invited to take part in an informal discussion around mental health, sharing their thoughts and opinions on how we can tackle society’s attitudes and make positive changes.