Social enterprise MOOD is partnering with UnLtd and Tonic Media Network on ‘MOOD Tea Break’, a new webinar series, launching with a session aimed at helping parents navigate the challenges of youth mental health.
The series premieres on Wednesday, August 25, with award winning journalist and ABC Coronacast host Dr Norman Swan joined by a panel of experts including parenting author, educator and resilience specialist Maggie Dent, general manager of MOOD, Jenni Hayward, incoming GroupM CEO and industry mum Aimee Buchanan (pictured) and Liz Scott, Professor at the University of Sydney specialising in youth mood disorders and mental health.
The panel will explore the topic of ‘Your Kids, COVID and Lockdown –’What NOT To Worry About’, discussing children’s social, mental, physical wellbeing and developmental growth in the shadow of COVID and the prospect of facing uncertain restrictions ahead.
The session will include an open Q&A for parents across the industry to share strategies and advice on encouraging younger Australians to open up and seek necessary help during this difficult period.
The event comes after MOOD launched its inaugural consumer campaign, ‘Sip Selflessly’, a collaborative effort that brought together over 60 businesses from across the industry.
Hayward commented: “Lockdown has been challenging for parents and children alike. And with Lifeline recording it’s highest ever daily number of calls recently, we know there’s a need for more advice and information.”
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Dr Norman Swan and Tonic Media Network to answer parents’ big questions about how they can support their kids. MOOD tea is committed to improving the mental health of young Australians which is why all profits from MOOD fund youth mental health programs.”
Sev Celik, Tonic Media Network commercial director added: “through Tonic’s Health DOOH network, we’ve been hearing a lot about parents’ concerns when it comes to COVID-19 and their kids, not only with regard to vaccinations but what the impact of continued lockdowns might have on this younger generation – for their education, socialisation and mental health.”
“We’ve also been asked those questions by our clients, many of whom have their own young families, so we’re really thrilled that MOOD and UnLtd have jumped on board to help us deliver what will be a really positive and informative webinar.”
Aimee Buchanan, incoming GroupM CEO added, “navigating COVID offers so many challenges for people across the industry. A big thank you to Tonic Media Network, MOOD and UnLtd for shining a light on a real life struggle that so many of us are facing. At the best of times, balancing work, running a business, and parenting is hard. Nothing has prepared us for this current situation and navigating it is like no other challenge I have faced. My only advice is to try and find the joy in each day, be grateful for what we have and be kind to each other.”
You can join the free session on ZOOM here.
If you wish to purchase any tea blends from MOOD to support youth mental health services, please visit https://mood.org.au/.
