By Tom Bannister

On Thursday, July 30, the Center for Teen Empowerment and the City of Somerville’s Health and Human Services Department will launch the Somerville Youth Mental Wellness Ambassador Program.

This new program brings together Somerville teens and youth-serving community partners to normalize and destigmatize discussions and conversations around mental health and wellness among youth. The program will employ Somerville teens to lead regular dialogue sessions and events in partnership with host agencies around the city.

The kick-off event will include the premier of youth-created mental wellness public service announcements, speeches by Health and Human Services Director Douglas Kress, youth and youth workers, and an open-mic speak out. A light dinner will be served.

This program is a continuation of the City’s #SomervilleSpeaks campaign, which seeks to destigmatize depression and other mental health issues and teach coping skills, launched at the Somerville Youth Peace Conference in May. Ambassadors will encourage their peers to use the #SomervilleSpeaks hashtag on social media to promote the campaign and its values among Somerville youth and adults who work with youth.

The Launch is free and open to the public. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Barnum Hall 008, Tufts University, 163 Packard Avenue. Those travelling by car should park in the Fletcher Lot, Professors Row by the tennis courts, or behind West/Bendetson Hall.

Contact 617-625-6600 ext 2254, pfarris@teenempowerment.org for more information.