Policy@Manchester, the University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, is set to launch its party conference programme with a focus on education and mental health. The Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Brighton will see Policy@Manchester co-hosting a high-profile debate on how education policy can better support children’s wellbeing and mental health.
The debate, titled “Learning to live well: how can education policy support children’s wellbeing and mental health?”, is scheduled to take place on Monday, 16 September, from 11.30am to 12.30pm at the Brighton Harbour Hotel. The discussion promises to draw attention to the growing concern surrounding young people’s mental health, with an increasing number experiencing challenges in their wellbeing.
Chaired by Aveek Bhattacharya, Research Director at the Social Market Foundation, the event will feature a range of prominent voices in education, mental health, and policy. Among the panellists are Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Education and MP for Twickenham; Dr Charlotte Bagnall, a lecturer in the Psychology of Education at The University of Manchester; Professor Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists; and Miranda Green, Deputy Opinion Editor at the Financial Times and former Special Adviser to the Liberal Democrats.
The panel aims to explore how education policy can evolve to address the mental health challenges faced by many children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds who are at higher risk of negative outcomes.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
Professor Cecilia Wong, Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, highlighted the importance of the discussion, noting the urgency of addressing children’s wellbeing in a fast-changing educational landscape.
“Each year, we organise panel events at the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat party conferences, offering expertise and evidence on pressing policy topics,” Professor Wong stated. “This year, we are excited to kick off our conference season in Brighton, focusing on the increasingly critical issue of children’s mental health and wellbeing.”
In the wake of the UK’s recent general election and its mixed results for the major political parties, the Liberal Democrat conference provides a timely platform for discussing key issues such as education and mental health. According to Professor Wong, the event will feature fresh insights and research from the University of Manchester. Dr Charlotte Bagnall, one of the panellists, will unveil new research findings on how education systems can be restructured to promote better mental health outcomes for young people.
“Our first-class speaker line-up will discuss how education policy can better support children’s wellbeing and mental health,” Professor Wong added. “The event promises to be a fascinating exchange of views, with everyone welcome to attend.”
A Platform for Policy and Research
Policy@Manchester’s involvement in the event is part of its broader mission to engage with policymakers and provide evidence-based insights into some of the most pressing challenges in society. By participating in all three major party conferences—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat—the unit aims to stimulate dialogue and influence policy decisions that can positively impact the lives of children and young people across the UK.
For those interested in further details, information about Policy@Manchester’s events at the party conferences can be found on the unit’s official website.
With mental health increasingly becoming a key focus of public policy, the event is expected to draw significant interest from educators, health professionals, and policymakers alike.
