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Detroit festival aims to boost mental health in kids

Circus performances, silent yoga, and a silent disco are planned

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and while adults may immediately come to mind when we think of mental health, it’s important that kids are included in this conversation as well.

Many children have mental health issues and need support. That’s why Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWINH) is hosting an event this weekend to bring families together for a day of fun and awareness. It’s all part of their Youth United Initiative.

“We want to make sure our youth is heard, and that we are able to provide resources and a variety of events for our youth at this event,” said Bianca Miles, Youth Involvement Specialist for DWINH.

At the event, families can expect to enjoy different activities including a circus performance by Spinovation, silent yoga, animal interactions and a silent disco.

“The difference is, you don’t have loud speakers. Everyone gets a pair of headphones and everyone can participate,” said LaVa Harris with City Hop, who is hosting the Silent Disco. The headphones are illuminated with three different colors, and different music will play in the headphones depending on the color you choose. “It’s three times more dancing,” said Harris.

DWIHN said through its Youth United group, they’re doing all they can to help families engage more often together and help boost mental health.

The Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day event is this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 19320 Van Dyke Avenue in Detroit. You can learn more by watching the video above.

You can also learn more about DWIHN’s Youth United initiative by clicking here.