Small group discussions

1. Small group discussions Emotional learning includes • Being able to make sense of past experiences through identifying the different emotions that were triggered both at the time and later in recounting these experiences • Understanding that we all experience pain but that it can be talked about and learned from • Building the capacity to tolerate the anxiety that goes with learning something new or embarking on a new experience • Creating positive images of ourselves that capitalise on our strengths • Accepting our shortcomings and vulnerabilities • Learning to tolerate complexity and not seeing the world in terms of right or wrong, black or white • Tolerating conflict and being able to work things through • Feeling free enough to be creative in our relationships and in how we express ourselves • Learning to play with ideas. • Building balanced relationships in our lives that include sharing and reciprocity. • Learning about the world around us and being able to use critical thinking to creatively challenge unhelpful beliefs, values and perceptions.

2. In the light of the presentations you’ve heard today, discuss • How your role and service contributes to young people’s emotional health and wellbeing – or • How you as a young person can support other young people with life’s challenges • How forging new or stronger partnerships could help • How ‘third spaces’ for young people such as Lift can ‘create a pathway for young people to navigate this maze’ • What ideas you have for future sessions of the Forum on the theme of ‘Emotional Health and Wellbeing’.