VENTURA COUNTY — Talking about mental health and wellness isn’t always easy. But it is always important,
That’s the message headlining the Let’s Talk Tour, a series of free events coming to three locations across Ventura County spearheaded by NAMI Ventura County in partnership with Bank of America and The Esperanza Project.
“This inspiring, informative day is designed to help teens and their families build important foundations for starting important conversations,” said Roberta Griego, NAMI Ventura County Executive Director.
NAMI Ventura County offers education, support, and advocacy programs across Ventura County. NAMI is dedicated to providing no-cost programs across Ventura County.
The Let’s Talk Tour will feature NAMI’s Ending the Silence presentations, a viewing of The Esperanza Documentary created by local filmmaker Arcelia Martinez, and a panel discussion revolving around how families talk about mental health.
Part One: Mental Health Presentations
Let’s Talk Tour events will open with NAMI’s signature education program, Ending the Silence, simultaneously presenting Ending the Silence for Families and Ending the Silence for Students. Both presentations focus on warning signs, breaking stigma, and how to get help. Audience members have the opportunity to ask questions and gain an understanding of often-misunderstood topics.
Part Two: Esperanza Documentary
This 31-minute documentary film explores the mental health struggles and needs of teen Latinas in Ventura County. Directed by Arcelia Martinez, an Oxnard filmmaker, the film was created in collaboration with the Oxnard Performing Arts Center and funded in part by the California Arts Council.
Part Three: Let’s Talk Panel Discussion
The event will wrap up with a panel discussion. The conversation will revolve around how students and families can start talking about mental health at home with practical tools for starting hard conversations as well as identifying and breaking down stigma.
The Let’s Talk Tour will touch down at Oxnard High School on Saturday, Oct. 21st from 1pm -5pm; Santa Paula High School on Saturday, Oct. 28th from 11am-3pm; and Moorpark College on Saturday, Nov. 4th from 10am – 2pm.
The Let’s Talk Tour is designed to serve high school students and their adult parents and/or guardians. Students may attend without family participation, if they so choose, and vice versa. All presentations and program materials will be provided in English, Spanish, and any indigenous languages, and all presentations will include simultaneous Spanish translation. Transportation and childcare are being offered during most events.
Tickets for The Let’s Talk Tour are available now at www.namiventura.org/letstalktour.