Florida-based nonprofit To Write Love on Her Arms will be offering “MOVE: Focus” on Saturday, November 2, from 9 am to 6:30 pm, at Newtown Congregational Church.

“MOVE: Focus” is a one-day workshop led by professional counselors where attendees will explore issues that are rarely talked about, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. The discussion will cover what is behind these struggles, what drives them, what recovery looks like, and how students can make a difference. The workshop is open to all students in grades 8–12 in the area.

The goal of the workshop is to help create a culture and climate of hope and healing for those struggling in their homes, places of work, and schools. The curriculum is taught through an interactive dialogue-based format, so that while it is being led by trained counselors, students also learn from each other. Because the stigma surrounding mental health is built by many myths and lies, attendees are given facts to help them have an accurate understanding of the issues.

The interactive format gives attendees the experience of taking part in a healthy discussion of the topics, instilling confidence and allowing them to be comfortable to talk about the issues within their own community.

In addition to understanding the issue, students are also given practical ways they can make a difference.

MOVE will be taught by licensed mental health counselor Aaron Moore and registered mental health intern Denny Kolsch.

Mr Moore has master of arts degrees in counseling and biblical studies from Reformed Theological Seminary. He works as a licensed mental health counselor, and co-founded Solace Counseling in Orlando, Fla., with his wife Michelle. He enjoys working with adults and teenagers walking through a wide range of struggles to find healing and recovery.

Mr Kolsch earned his master’s in mental health counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2012. He has experience working with various issues in children, adolescents, and adults. Specific areas include anxiety, depression, addiction, relational issues, and early childhood disorders such as ADHD. He also has experience with career and vocational counseling, as well as spiritual issues in teens and adults.

“It’s a free conference that will tackle the issues of depression, anxiety, and suicide,” said NCC Youth Minister Allysa De Wolf, who also said the event is “not a religious event but is open to students from all backgrounds.”

In addition to the discussions, the workshop will include a hip hop concert by J Prophet.

To Write Love On Her Arms is a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

Newtown Congregational Church is at 14 West Street. Check-in will begin at 8:45.

Admission is free, but students must register no later than October 25. Parental permission is required.

To register, visit wrt.lv/MOVENewtown. For additional information send e-mail to the organizers at move@twloher.com or Ms De Wolf at aedewolf@gmail.com.